The Fast, Dangerous and the Furious

by OConnerGT-R

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Crossover, Alternate Universe
Length: 195928

The Last of Us, Infamous, The Fast and the Furious all mixed together with ponies. Two hundred years after Equestria has become infected, a pair of ponies venture out in seach of the almighty bit and a place they can call home. Maybe even a family.

The Last of Us, Infamous, The Fast and the Furious all mixed together with ponies. Set in an alternate universe where Equestria has become a shadow of what it once was, several hundreds of select ponies have been locked away in a prison known as a District. Two ponies venture out into this new Equestria, regardless of the risk, in pursuit of the almighty bit, but with each action they take a consequence is waiting for them whether it be right around the corner or waiting patiently in the dark . All the while one stallion is slowly discovering the events that put Equestria into this infected state. How far will he go to protect his family from the consequences of his own actions?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-12-31 18:44:11 UTC

Abandonded

Chapter Two: Abandoned

Thunder rumbled above us while we continued to trudge aimlessly down the road. It felt like days since we had left, and that was the best part. In all honesty we had walked for just a couple of hours, but with each step away from those walls our mood became increasingly and infinitely better. You know, aside from the depressing sight of no other ponies being around for miles we’re doing just fine.

Every so often I took a glance up at the clouds feeling a raindrop or two hit my muzzle. Silver Shoe occasionally started firing her gun at random plants, she even tried doing trick shots to keep the game interesting. That was until she realized we had no idea where to get more ammo from. Thankfully she still had a full box of ammo in her saddle bags. She let out a quick sigh and looked at me. “You think Oak Tree’s going to be alright?” No clue, but if I had to guess, so long as the cops don’t check behind the bookshelf then he’ll be fine.

“He can be pretty spry when he needs to be.” I rubbed my eyes yawning.

"Spry," Silver Shoe snorted. "He’s only spry when he’s fighting over a bag of chips. With himself.” Or trying to get back on his couch.

I started laughing. The sad part in all of this was that she was actually right. Silver Shoe galloped forward and jumped over a fence. “Hey, let’s check this out!” I l looked at a hill with dried up grass covering it. At the top of it was a two story house that looked like a small breeze would send it toppling down. It made a slight shift as a small gust of wind went by. I hesitated a little but jumped over the fence anyway.

The closer we got to the house I could see it was in more of a shamble than I had first thought. Windows were dusted over to the point they had a brownish tint that actually looked like they were made that way, along with more than their fair share of cracks spider webbing in every direction. The wood along the balcony had rotted away, but was still somehow intact to the rest of the house. I set one hoof on the front step and the entire thing creaked. “Why are we going in here again?” My eyes scanned the home one more time before trotting up to the front door.

Silver Shoe walked up after me setting her hoof on the rotted railing. It snapped off. Her horn lit up and kept her from falling down. “Feisty son of bitch ain’t she.” She set her hooves down and her horn stopped glowing. I moved over to one of the windows trying to wipe away some of the dust. It was tinted brown! Bull shit. Dust can’t do that! Can it? “I just want to check and see if there’s a map inside. I don’t want to hear you complain when we get lost.” I rolled my eyes.

One time. I complain one time and never hear the end of it.

Wouldn’t need to complain if your sense of direction didn’t get us lost half the time we went somewhere.

“I know that look. Stop thinking that.” I stopped and looked at her. I hate when she does that. Silver Shoe nonchalantly knocked on the door and it fell to the ground kicking up clouds of dust with it. We both started coughing while I waved my hoof around trying to send the dust cloud away.

The dust began clearing and we were greeted to the sight of books, desks, boxes, couches and beds all thrown around. From the looks of it any one of them would turn to dust the minute we touched them. The walls had faded from a brown color to a charcoal black. Silver Shoe turned her flashlight on shining it around. “Come on. Let’s have a look around.” She looked back at the door and chuckled. Feisty little bitch is good description for this place.

I started looking around the kitchen, mostly for essentials like ammo and water, but nothing of the sort. Wait.

I pulled open a cabinet and found a box of pistol ammo. Opened it, but nothing. My ears drooped down. That about sums up my luck since we left. My chest puffed up and I let out a low sigh. Sometimes scavenging just felt like a big hassle. I pulled open another drew to find several bullets. And sometimes it gives me exactly what I need!

My horn lit up, levitating the bullets up. They were rifle bullets. And sometimes it just gets on my damn nerves! AGH!

“Hey, a rifle!” Silver Shoe called out from the other room. I groaned floating the bullets over to her. I’ll find something, I always do. Not bad finding the rifle though, I’m sure it’ll come in use at some point or another.

I pulled open all the drawers and managed to find enough bullets to refill my ammo clip at least once. Not the best find, but not the worst either. Once I was done I trotted back out and could hear Silver Shoe humming while she was flank deep inside of a box. Her tail swished back and forth like a dog looking for something buried in the backyard. Everything inside started rustling around with clinking sounds. I started opening boxes and started to notice something. These walls were burned, not rotting. I mean, it was rotting, but most of the black marks around the room were scorch marks. “We should really get out of here as soon as we can. I’d hate to meet the pony that treats this place like a fire pit.” All Silver Shoe gave me was a hoof wave from inside her box. I went back to scavenging. Book. Burned. Spell book. Burned. Half eaten jewel. No thanks. Nothing.

I looked at the wall behind the box and almost lost my last meal. Blood was staining the wall. Yikes. This place is starting to give me the creeps. Freaking Silver Shoe over there just looking in the box like there’s not a care in the world. How the hell does she do that anyway? The box tipped over sending her rolling out.

The next place I searched in was the den. Nothing really stood out. The bed was covered in dried mud, a fold out table laid collapsed on the ground near some clothes that smelled so bad my face felt like it was going to melt off. “So what was your sister like?” I called out to Silver Shoe while I looked under the bed. OH SHIT!

A rat ran out from underneath, fleeing straight to a hole in the wall. My chest puffed in and out while I slowly moved my hoof away from my heart. “She’s the coolest person I know and one of the, if not the, fastest flier that ever came out of our District.” Hmm. That’s pretty impressive. Wait. Fast flier. That means she was probably into gliders!

I started looking around the room again. Nothing under the bed, sadly. “What type of glider did she use? What was her best time? Was she good at sharp turns? Can’t tell you how many fliers suck at that.” My question was shrugged off with a simple hum as if she didn’t know. Odds are she probably didn’t remember.

“Oh cool,” her voice was muffled.

I trotted back out into the living room and saw another overturned box with some papers spilling out of it. Silver Shoe? I heard a cough. Still didn’t see any pony around. I looked in the kitchen. No pony there. I looked up at the second story and didn’t see her near the railing. The problem was that I could hear her clearing her throat.

Sliver Shoe’s head appeared in midair! “Check this out, it’s an invisibility spell that came with a cloak to cast the spell on!” Her head moved around in circles while I took a look at the diagram on the papers. Looks like this spell can only be used on small objects like blankets. Hmm. I have no use for that spell. “How do I look?” I looked back up at Silver Shoe.

“Transparent.”

Silver Shoe’s magic wrapped around what I assumed was the cloth making it visible again. The cloth was a very beautiful shade of dark blue with stars printed on it that glistened every time some light was shown on it. “Finders keepers.” I rolled my eyes at her. She gets a rifle and a cloak. Now see that’s a good find! I’ll just stick with my bullets. Before I knew it Silver Shoe was galloping up the stairs going on to explore the other rooms. Doors opened and closed above me. I looked around once more spying a door she had missed. My horn lit up doing it's best to push the door open. It stopped quarter swing.

I walked over to it focusing my magic a bit more. Wouldn’t budge at all. With a great deal of effort I managed to painfully wedge my head far enough in to see nothing but total darkness. I mean the tunnels were dark, but this was pitch black with only the light from my horn lighting it up a little. A dresser was wedged between the door and wall. Not sure how it got there, but I can guess that it’s not going to be there for long. Blue magic from my horn wrapped around the dresser, ripping it away. The thing tilted to the left and crashed down on the bed forcing it to collapse. Dust rose up making me cough. I pushed the door open letting myself in.

I shined my flashlight around and found photos of a family. A stallion, mare, and two foals with an extra splash of dried blood on the frame. I tossed it on top of the dresser. A lantern lay on the ground next to one of the broken dresser legs. I set it down on top of a small table turning the small switch. It lit up!

The flame went from a small spark to a decent roaring flame that lit up most of the room. My shadow danced around while the flame flickered about. The wall in front of me had photos of several dozen mares and stallions all with different colored string going from one group to another. A tack was stuck to one of the strings with a title for the wall, 'The Cure.' Cure? Cure for what? My inability to come up with a decent one liner for this? Nah. I’m not that lucky. “Ignore it Runner, just a bunch of crazy pony stuff.” I kept repeating that to myself until it sunk in.

I flipped through a stack of papers see nothing but science mumbo jumbo. Couldn’t really make any sense of it, but from what I could tell the pony trying to find this so called cure didn’t give up. That earns a little respect. “What's this?” I bent down and picked up a smiling clown mask, it’s right eye hole was scraped apart although I’m not sure why. Turning it over, I found burn marks around the edges. “Celestia, help the poor ponies that were in this place.” I levitated the mask up to my face before taking a look at a mirror attached to the door. Yikes. It was as if I was staring at a twisted mentally unstable pony that was probably the reason all of this stuff was in here. Clown scientist. That’s a new one. I threw the mask down and left the room, letting the door shut behind me. Why is it so quiet in here? Might as well go look for Silver Shoe. I walked up the stairs listening to them creak with each step.

Once I found Silver Shoe I began to slow my pace. She was peeking into a room but not moving. I slowed to a light trot and put my hoof on her shoulder. “Hey, you alright?” Silver Shoe was practically holding her breath. She moved away from the room and leaned against a table to keep her balance. I looked inside the … whoa.

I shut the door and blinked. My eyes looked down at the rotting floor.

I … I can’t even begin to describe the slaughter fest in that room. Blood was … everywhere. Bodies. Just … their spines were used as ... I need to leave this place. We need to leave this place.

I got close to Silver Shoe and looked at her. She was shaken up. It was like she was finally figuring out that everything outside the walls wasn’t going to be sunshine and rainbows. Which I had only seen a few times since the weather was almost always cloudy. “Runner, can we please go?” I nodded. I slowly exhaled and started trotting down the steps. I spared that door one more glance.

I shuddered.

“You’ve never told me how you got interested in flying gliders.” I stopped at the bottom step and looked at Silver Shoe while she followed me. I hadn’t told her that story? It wasn’t really a story, but if it would take her mind off of this then I’d tell her.

“Well there’s not much to it. My father and his best friend were always racing around the District. Eventually I started helping him out and there you have it. Glider enthusiast for life.” Silver Shoe chuckled giving me a light nudge. We left the house and sealed the door back with our magic. It wouldn’t stand up to another pony knocking on it, but it would hold against some decent gust of winds. Don’t ask me how. Magic is magic.

Once we reached the road I took the bandage off my leg from the night before. I set my leg down, feeling no pain; we started moving again. Silver Shoe kept taking glances at my formerly injured leg. “So what happened back at your place?” I had been thinking about that for a while. Only good answer that came to mind was some pony overheard us and spilled the beans. Either that or the Chief had just figured out it was us. Or better yet my mother threw me under the glider, but she wouldn't do that. It didn’t really matter which it was though since I couldn’t go back in without being noticed.

My mind tossed around those scenarios until they all reached the point where the Chief was waiting for both of us in my attic. I guess all roads lead to that moment. Something tells me that he was trying to catch both me and Silver Shoe, but lucky for us we weren’t together. “The Chief showed up and had the Intel from our last job. He put two and two together. I won’t be going back their anytime soon, he saw my face.” The sound of rustling stopped us in our tracks. The tall grass next to the road moved around until a mare fell against the concrete, blood spilling from all over.

We ran over to her just in time to see the life in her eyes slowly pull away. She opened her mouth and just lay there. Silver Shoe kept calling out to her saying “Miss” or “Hey, come on you’re going to be all right.” I kept my eyes on the tall grass breaking apart while a wagon moved towards us. The driver wasn’t visible, but I got the sense this wasn’t a friendly pony. I bit down on Silver Shoe’s pink mane tearing her off the road. She yelled at me in resistance until I finally threw us behind a large overturned tree and put my hoof over her mouth.

“Keep quiet and stay down,” I growled. Silver Shoe vanished under her cloak. I lay against the ground and got a good look at the wagon pulling up. It was one of those old styled ice cream wagons ponies used to swarm after. And it had … blood staining the side with the words 'The Cure' painted on the side of it. The blood stains are getting a little overrated. So whoever this is believes in 'The Cure,' bull shit.

“Sour Tooth, is it her … I mean, boss!”

A gunman climbed on top of the wagon and started look around while a mean and rough looking stallion stepped out from the back. He was wearing a clown mask, body armor with pistol holsters strapped to both sides with a spare on his back for a shotgun and his mane was, LITTERALLY ON FIRE! His mask gave the nearly mutilated mare the creepiest smile I had ever seen. I could feel the nightmares clawing at the back of my skull. It burned. I swallowed and felt my chest ready to explode. My heart wanted to bust out of my rib cage and just run. Hop on a boat and go to the dragon lands on the other side of the world. I tried to look at Silver Shoe, but she was still hiding under her spell.

The stallion called Sour Tooth walked over to the mare and pushed her lifeless body around with his boot. He looked in our direction … my direction. He just stared. His hooves moved in our direction. Rain began to pour and thunder rolled. Sour Tooth faced his gunman. “No, just more trash on the side of the road.” His horn lit up, at least I think it did, the fire made it almost impossible to tell if he was using a spell or not. He climbed back into his wagon and it moved back into the tall grass eventually leaving us behind.

Silver Shoe became visible again. There wasn't any time to stop her before she ran to the mare. I followed. We stared at the mare for what felt like ages, just letting the rain pour down on us. I could finally feel it. That fine line between District life and Equestria had become clear to both of us. We didn’t know this place aside from the books we had read. If this is what we are expecting to run into on a regular basis then we better get used to it.

*** ***

Graffiti. Graffiti everywhere!

We walked into a rundown town with graffiti decorating almost every visible wall, most of which wasn’t even good. The picture that seemed to be plastered around the most was a red hooded grim reaper with tusks. The rain had lightened up and lightning seemed to be nonexistent, which didn’t bother me one bit. Silver Shoe sat down on a bench in front of what used to be an old fountain, half of it was crumbled around here, there, and throughout most of the other side of town. “Did you ever find your map?” I trotted away from one of the dozens of stores and saw Silver Shoe getting up. She shook her head.

“I’m going to have a look around,” she said pushing open a door to a fashion store. She mumbled to herself, “If I were a map where would I be?” Something on the ground made her stop in her tracks. She picked up a flyer and read it a few times. I walked over to her and looked down at it. It had dozens of blinding colors with rides and games for ponies of all ages.

Pinkie Pie’s Party Time Fun Land!

Home of the Pinkie Party Ride!

Located: Just outside of Lake Water.

Silver Shoe crumpled it up, tossing it in a trashcan. She tapped her hoof and looked at me with a smile. “I want to go visit that carnival.” That’s something she’s wanted to do ever since she found my book on things ponies used to do before the Districts were built. There also used to be a lot of fairs. Silver Shoe trotted off to one of the stores, but I could tell she wasn’t going to let this carnival thing go.

I started looking around. My eyes were constantly alert for signs of other ponies. The empty feeling in the town, aside from there being one other pony in the town, was driving me crazy. So far we had seen four other ponies. One dead, one clown, one wagon driver and a gunman. Nothing else. My attention was drawn to a sign hanging above a broken door.

Enriched Comics: Trade in Your Old Comics for In-Store Credit.

“That sounds interesting.” I walked inside.

Most of the place was trashed, but most of the comics looked intact. My horn lit up and I levitated a few of them over along with one actual book. Grand Theft Glider, The Walking Undead, Iron Stallion, The Incredible Flutterhulk by Spike the Dragon, Daring Do and the Griffons Goblet, and Swordmares issue one. I have to admit that mare on the Daring Do book was actually kind of hot, in a normal way. What the hell is wrong with the mares in Swordmares? They’re all hot, but dear Celestia at some point you want them to look normal. Not nearly disfigured with excessive flank bearing armor. And if I feel that strongly about it then I should probably give it a read. Nothing like reading a comic that makes you ask why the author even made it in the first place.

I looked back at Grand Theft Glider and noticed it was issue one of ninety one. Screw that. I couldn’t collect that many comics. Wait. I looked back at Swordmares. “Issue one of forty five.” Sold. I wonder if there are any more of these.

I pushed a few comic racks back up and spun them around. Nothing really interesting stood out to me. I mean other than the same issues I had already found. Nope. Seen it. Seen it. Looks like crap. “Runner, let’s get moving!” I looked out the window and saw Silver Shoe staring at something on the window. I put my issue of Swordmares away and galloped out of the store. Silver Shoe pointed at the grim reaper artwork covering a lot of the buildings around us. “I wonder why this is spray painted all over town.”

CRACK!

The window exploded in front of us!

I jumped back and looked around for the pony shooting at us. Silver Shoe dove away from the wall and stared back at the shattered window. Another loud crack went off. “AGH!” Warm blood ran down my ear. I pressed my hoof against it and galloped into the fashion store with Silver Shoe. Another window exploded behind us while we found a place to hide. Silver Shoe dove behind an overturned desk while I took shelter inside of a closet. My eyes frantically looked around the room until I found … medical kit!

CRACK!

“Yeah, hide in that store, see if that helps!”

I ripped the kit from the wall looking through it with my free hoof. A rag and some wrapping tape. That’s all, but it’ll do. I wrapped the rag around my ear and covered it with tape. “That should hold for now.” I tried to poke my head out the door until part of the wood exploded near me. I stumbled back inside, falling over a mop bucket. Silver Shoe tried to look over the desk, but nonstop shots kept her pinned down. I took a glance around the open door and couldn’t see much except for part of the buildings across the street. Bastard has the high ground on us.

My horn lit up. I focused my magic around a few objects at once, something I was used to only doing with Silver Shoe. With a deep breath I slowly lifted the manikins. I managed to move them a couple of hoof steps before I had to set them down. One of the manikin heads exploded into bits and pieces. I took in another deep breath focusing my magic on the manikins. Whoever was shooting at us obviously couldn’t tell a real pony from a fake one. The rest of the manikins went down. Whoever it was, wasn’t alone.

I started looking around and found a window right above where the medical kit had been. Silver Shoe groaned and crawled over to the back door. My horn lit up and I tossed the mop bucket out.

It was shot right out of the air.

“Come out come out wherever ya’ll are. Come on, where ya hiding?”

I scrambled up to the window shoving it open. Silver Shoe grabbed my hoof and pulled me outside. “Damn sniper. We need to go anywhere, but here.” The buildings next to us made it impossible to see where the sniper was. Normally I would try to sneak around and get whoever it was from behind, but since we’re in a town that’s not so abandoned anymore we can’t take that risk.

“You okay,” I started breathing hard looking around for any pony trying to follow us on hoof.

No pony yet. That was a good sign. Silver Shoe looked herself over. “Just a few grazes. Let’s try and get out of town before trigger happy over there figures out we aren’t hiding anymore.” Couldn’t agree more. We started galloping down the alley. The gunfire in the store had ceased. Silver Shoe dove behind a trashcan while three ponies all armed with guns galloped around the corner. She pulled out her rifle and sunk a shot right into one of their flanks. One of them tackled me against the wall, I bucked him off. The stallion pulled out his pistol and tried to shoot Silver Shoe in the back. My horn lit up.

WHACK!

I brought a trash can down on top of him, hard. He hit the ground and I pulled out my pistol. The other thug was keeping well hidden behind another trash bin. Silver Shoe shot it several times until the pony retreated back for more cover. I unloaded my clip at him, but missed every shot. Voices started shouting from inside the fashion store. We need an out. Where …

WHACK!

I leaned against the wall and looked behind me just in time to see a pony holding a trash can in his levitation field. Darkness followed.

The True Villian

Chapter Three: The True Villain

Ugh …

I scratched the back of my head letting my eyes roam around at almost nothing but total darkness. The only light around me was from a lantern on the other side of the room. It tinted the room an eerily dark red color. I started to take in deep breaths then went into the biggest coughing fit of my life. Something rustled next to me. By the time I stopped coughing my eyes had finally adjusted to the darkness. Cages were everywhere. Piles of … Oh sweet Luna please let it be junk and nothing else. I’m calling it as junk before I hurl out my guts.

A quick glance to the other side of my cage revealed another one of those piles. Ugh, I think I’m going to be sick. A voice other than Silver Shoe’s caught my attention, “Don’t panic, it’s just a rotting infected corpse.” The stallion speaking to me was in the cage right next to mine. He was fiddling with something in his hooves, but I couldn’t tell what it was. A long moment of silence fell between us while I watched him take a rock and slide it against something shiny.

“Where’re we at?" No response.

I cleared my throat. Still nothing.

“Excuse me, could you maybe tell me where we are?”

The stallion dropped whatever he was holding. “What? What? WHAT? What do you want, huh? Oh, little foal can’t handle being trapped in a cage?” Geez. I just wanted to know where we were at. “Well boohoo, get used to it.” I’ve never shot a pony out of anger before, but this punk is really starting to irk me. Wait.

Where the hell are my guns anyway? I felt around the cage for them only to come up empty hoofed. Yeah, no pony would be dumb enough to leave a prisoner with their weapons. The grump spit at the ground the knocked on the side of his cage. “Your friend’s over there, least she’s quiet.” I looked over at the cage across the room and could make out Silver Shoe’s body just lying there on the ground. I called out her name. No response.

I swear if they … no, she’s fine. She’s just fine.  I called out her name again. “Would you be quiet?” The grump shouted back at me. It’s a good thing there’s a cage around me, I get the feeling this guy would have used that scissor blade to get me to stay quiet. The grump took the blade and inserted it the best he could into the lock on the outside of the cage. I watched the blade jiggle around until it inevitably slipped out of Mr. Grump’s hoof.  He reached out and knocked it further away.

My horn engulfed itself in magic and I started messing with Mr. Grumps lock. I couldn’t get it off. “I’ll give you the scissor blade if you tell me where we’re at.” The stallion looked at his scissor blade then back at me aggravated. He looked at the blade and back at me. I assume he said yes from the begrudged groan he made.

“Reaper’s headquarters inside of the mine right next to the town.” The scissor blade moved a little closer to his reach. Mr. Grump looked at me. I waved my hoof around hoping it would persuade him to keep talking. He didn’t say anything. I moved the scissor blade away from his reach a little. “Alright, alright!” Thank you, Mr. Grump!

“Reaper pony,” I asked curiously while piecing together that symbol around town to the ponies that jumped us.

“Not ‘Reaper pony,’ Reapers. Bolt Action’s gang of vigilantes going around doing what they want.” Now I’m getting some answers. Keep talking buddy, I need a lot more information. I moved the scissor blade closer to his reach. I gave him a look that said I was clueless. And I kind of was. Scratch that, I was clueless. “You know, one of the three factions controlling Equestria, four if you count the infected.” I stared blankly at him. “You really have been living under a rock.” Well … yeah I guess I was.

Reapers, factions, infected. Why do I get the feeling I’m talking to a crazy pony? Mr. Grump jumped at the bars only to run into them trying to grab the blade. Yeah, this is a crazy pony, and me without my comic book. The stallion kept trying to get ahold of the blade, I just kept it out of reach while I went over what happened back at the town. I don’t know how long I was unconscious, but I’m assuming it’s been a while if those Reapers got us all the way down a mine. “It was all that stupid devices fault. One miss step and, BOOM! Infected everywhere, cops rising up to combat King Sombra and murders. Isn’t that a fine way to kick Equestria in the teeth?” Great, now I can’t get this stallion to shut up. I gave him the scissor blade back. He dropped it out of his reach again. Silver Shoe, please wake up. “You want to know more? Go read a book.”

“Stay away from the Crystal Empire though, that place is bad news,” the stallion warned before reaching his hoof out at the scissor blade again.

I rubbed my head with my hooves and regretted ever opening my muzzle in the first place. “You two ladies done gossiping?” I blinked. My head snapped over to Silver Shoe’s cage and my eyes watched her horn light up. A bobby pin along with a decently sized screw driver rose up from a nearby table. They moved over to my cage getting to work on the lock.

Click.

The door opened with a loud squeaky screech. I jumped out and kicked the scissor blade over to Mr. Grump. No 'thank you', not even a hum.

Ass. I galloped over to Silver Shoe’s cage looking straight at the lock. I have no idea how to open one of these. “Just stand back, I’ve got this.” Silver Shoe looked over at something and fell against the ground. I looked behind me.

“One of them escaped!”

Ah crap!

I pushed myself away from the cage meeting a wood plank to the face. My body hit the ground, two ponies picked me up and restrained my fore hooves. Mr. Grump started pointing at me shouting, “He picked the lock! I saw him. He used his horn!” That son of bitch! I lurched forward, but got pulled back. I’m gonna buck his freaking teeth if he rats Silver Shoe out. I called him a psychopath. “Whatever keeps me alive, kid.” The two Reapers dragged me through some doors and covered my head with a bag.

*** ***

My body was spun around in the Reapers magic field like a rag doll trapped in a wind tunnel. By the time they threw me down in a chair I thought my eye balls were going to fly off in one direction while my body went another. Thanks to them my head started pounding like crazy. I couldn’t even think straight.

The two Reapers took the bag off of my head and walked out of the room, slamming the door shut behind them. “Then kill him before he gets to Harbor City! I don’t care how you do it, just kill him. If Dead Eye doesn’t leave the casino, then kill him there!” A dark blue stallion wearing a snakeskin coat stepped into the room slamming a pair of double doors behind him. Apparently I had been carried up several flights of stairs, because I could see he had been talking to a griffon on a balcony. The stallion sat down at his desk in front me, his chair squeaked in protest as he leaned forward a little.

My head was still spinning. I felt like I was in a movie where the camera was constantly spinning around a character, and it was getting worse. The stallion sighed and reached for something by his cutie mark, it was two rifles crossed together. “Here,” he handed me some medicine. I took it without question. “I’m sorry about my guards, they can be a bit … stupid with other ponies.” I shook his hoof. My head suddenly stopped spinning and my headache was cleared right up.

I introduced myself to him, he told me to call him Bolt Action. “Nice to meet you, that’s some welcoming committee you’ve got.” Bolt Action chuckled. He reached inside his drawer and pulled out a bottle of Apple Whiskey.

“What are you doing in my town,” he asked, pouring himself a glass.

His town? We trespassed without even knowing it, great. My eyes darted around the room. Nothing really special, just a rundown room like something out of District Twelve. Something caught my eye. It was a tacked blueprint of a wagon that had reinforced armored platting. The picture of the armor resembled something the old Equestria military would use. I turned my attention back to the stallion questioning me. “We broke out of District Twelve and were just passing through looking for a map, didn’t mean anything by it.”

“You smashed a trashcan on one of my stallions. Now, who’s ‘we’.”

I rubbed the back of my head where that same stallion had hit me. “Your sniper didn’t give us much of choice. And we being me and Silver Shoe, the other pony you have stuck inside a cage.” Bolt Action nodded. He leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling. I looked down at his desk spying a map of Equestria with different colored routes on it. One starting at a place called the Smokey Mountains, a second going through the Badlands, Manehattan, and Fillydelphia. A third started from an unmarked town. It went through some unmarked roads that ended at the Crystal Empire.

There was a knock at the balcony door. Bolt Action leaned back and moved the curtain to see who it was. He shook his head and groaned. “Give me a minute!” His hoof moved away from the curtain letting the cloth fall back into place. “Interesting, from what I hear the only two Districts left are nearly impossible to get in or out of.” There’s only two districts left? There’s supposed to be thirteen. And yet there’s another piece of history the higher ups decided not to tell us. Screw them. Bolt Action explained to me that his faction controlled everything close to the Badlands, the cops controlled Canterlot, Fillydelphia, and Manehattan, and King Sombra controlled a small amount of territory known as Harbor City while the infected, by a technicality, populated most of the Crystal Empire as their own faction. Like I said, that’s a technicality.

Note to self, stay away from the Empire. My eyes kept going back to the highlighted routes on his map. “Mind telling me what those routes are for?” Bolt Action stopped talking and looked down at the map. He smiled obviously having some plan for that. “Ah, that’s for a big race I’m hosting. Whoever wins it will receive something beautiful.” I didn’t like the way he said that. It made feel a little uncomfortable, unless of course he means a large bag of gems. Silver Shoe and I could use some bits if we ever find a town that isn’t trying to kill us.

Wait, he said a race. Dang it, I don’t even have a glider to use. It’s not like I can just walk back into District Twelve without being noticed. I cleared my throat gaining my captors attention. “Sounds like fun. Look we obviously just got off on the wrong hoof here. How about I just get Silver Shoe and leave.” Bolt Action shook his head and laughed. Yeah, I didn’t think that would work. After all Silver Shoe did kill, or at least severely injure, one of his men.

The Reaper leader finished his glass of whiskey then slowly tapped his hoof against the ground. He stared at me for a good long minute. “I’ve got a better idea. I could use some ponies like you and that friend of yours. How about you join my gang.” What is this an interview? And hell no! Your sniper can’t even tell the difference between a threat and two ponies aimlessly walking through town. Piss of you dick.

“No thanks. We’re good. Besides we’re looking for someone.”

Bolt Action exhaled slowly with a hint of disappointment. He got up from his chair turn facing the window. From the way he was staring at the window it was obvious that he was thinking deeply about something. “Then it looks like we aren’t on speaking terms anymore. See my scientist is looking for a way to cure the infected and he gave me a quota to fill. Looks like you and your friend will be his next test subjects.” I lit up my horn. It didn’t glow.

I tried to light up my horn. It wouldn’t light. My eyes went straight to the drugs I had taken.

Pain Reliever:

Cures all headaches or magical ailments

Side Effects may include, but are not limited to, loss of magic.

I deadpanned. Way. To. Go. Smartass. Bolt Action opened the balcony door and walked out. “Just wait there, my guards will be here in a second.” He closed the door behind him before yelling at some poor soul. It was some griffon.

Clang!

I almost fell out of my chair. My head turned towards the air duct and Silver Shoe’s head poked out of it. She smiled at me and rolled out. “Sup?” That son of a bitch, looks like Mr. Grump didn’t rat her out to. Then again he did think that I used my magic to free myself … even though I’m sure he noticed my magic field is blue, not magenta. You know what, I’m just going to assume he did a good deed and believe that he did the right thing. Silver Shoe looked at the balcony door with her horn aglow. The desk and chair moved against the door, pinning it in place. She also locked it.

Before I had time to say anything, she was already diving into another room connected to the office. Silver Shoe scavenged a few spare parts then shoved them in her bag. Once she was done she joined me and gave me my saddle bags, weapons and all. “Alright, there are some guards coming this way.” Just as I said that the doors opened up. Silver Shoe’s horn lit up, sandwiching them together. The highlighted map crumpled itself up before going straight inside one of the stallions mouths. The blueprint from the wall came down and had the other stallions head shoved against it until it went inside his mouth.

We both galloped out of the room shutting the door quietly behind us. Silver Shoe made sure to lock it. A small map was levitated in front of us. Silver Shoe cleared her throat and pointed at the office room marked on the map. “We’re here. If those guys figure out I’m gone or you’re not in the office they’re going to raise an alarm. Our best bet is to go down deeper into the mine then we can find another exit. Avoid the town and sniper altogether.” That actually makes sense. This is a mine that means there has to be more than one exit. Maybe there’s a lift somewhere.  We nodded at each other and gallop down the hallway.

I pushed open a door to the stairwell looking right over the guardrail. I couldn’t see anything but darkness. Silver Shoe reached into her bag and dropped a gear. We leaned over the edge and kept our ears turned to the falling gear.

Waiting.

Waiting.

Waiting.

Ding!

Our jaws dropped. We looked at each other. Ah crap, this was going to take a while. Alarms started going off. We did the only thing we could think of. Run down the stairs. Dr. Psychotic won’t be using us today!

*** ***

We reached the bottom of the stairwell, both of us breathing hard. No pony had found us. Must have been because Bolt Action had raised the alarm thinking I would go after Silver Shoe, which was lucky for us. I turned my attention to the door in front of us. It took me until now to realize there was a sickly green cloud floating from underneath the door. “Spores.” Our gas masks were on in no time flat.

Silver Shoe put her hoof on the door and pulled it open. A sick green cloud rolled out in front of us, almost like poison, slowly rising up the stair well. Large chunks of bookshelves mashed together against crates were stacked like a staircase. I went up first, she followed and closed the door behind us. Silver Shoe nickered, “What the hell are they keeping down here, shit?”

"Nah, shit smells better than this," I shot back. Just the mere sight of green fog made me want to hurl. My throat started to warm up a little, which was something that happened to me anytime I was about to hurl, I took in a deep breath and the feeling went away. We jumped down finding another door blocking our way along with ….  HOLY CADENCE, SLEEPING INFECTED FUNGUS PONY THING!

I moved back against the crate staircase sitting inches from a pony covered with fungus. The fungus pony's head looked exactly like a fungus plant, only with a mouth and the rest of its body just had gross sticks growing out everywhere. My stomach was emptied out in an old crate next to me. Ugh. So much for not hurling. Silver Shoe’s eyes widened while she pulled the crate over to her. She looked like she was about to hurl, but didn’t. “Let’s get moving before I hurl a big one, ugh.” She shook her head. We hit the buttons on our flashlights, nothing. Batteries were dead.

The fungus pony didn’t move. Just sat there. I tried to light up my horn, but nothing happened. The effects have to were off eventually, please let it be soon. Strapped to the pony was a saddle bag. Ugggggh. Why me?

I got closer to it. And then slowly inched myself towards it.

Don’t come alive.

Don’t come alive.

“Bleghghegh,” the body moved at me. I jumped back and hit my head against the crates making a few topple down on me. Silver Shoe burst out laughing with one hoof on a door knob. Checking the infected pony out again I noticed it was wrapped in a magenta magic field. “Two for flinching.” She punch my shoulder twice.

“Really, you pull a joke like this now?” Silver Shoe shrugged, just trying to keep our spirits lifted I guess. This wasn’t really the time for that though. She chuckled and put her hoof around me. I threw it off checking the infected pony’s bag. YES! Enough batteries for one of us. I popped them into my flashlight and flicked it on, after that stunt Silver Shoe pulled I’m keeping these.

Silver Shoe’s horn lit up attempting to illuminate the room. Her horn started to do something, but crapped out. “You hiding any lighting spells in that head of yours?” As a unicorn you’d think I would, but no. I gave her a simple 'Nu-uh.' We both took in a deep breath and pushed open the closet door. I took a step out and saw red grime everywhere. It spider webbed all around us like overgrown tree brnaches stuck in cramped hallway. Fungus was growing around the wall in patches with red organic spikes sticking out all over the ceiling. Silver Shoe went back into the room and came back out with the infected pony’s bag. She pulled out a large piece of paper and unfolded it. It was a detailed layout of the mine, even better than the map of Bolt Actions hideout.

“Looks like we just need to head down this hall here. That’ll be our exit strategy,” her hoof traced one of the halls that led to a larger area. Looks like a factory area actually. Geez. This place makes no sense. It’s like one of those fun houses I read about at the library. Only more terrifying and brutal. Silver Shoe folded up the map and shoved it in her bag. Our hooves moved as fast as they could down the hall.

“BLEGH!” I looked to my right just as an infected jumped at me from an intersecting hallway. It tackled me against the wall but I rolled down with it. I pushed the thing away and let it fall back into one of those red spikes … that did nothing but break apart. WHAT THE HELL! Spikes are supposed to hurt ponies or at least the ones trying to kill us. Infected ponies all around the area started running after us. I tried to run, but fell. The infected pony pulled my hoof towards its mouth. I looked away and waited to feel its mouth bite down on my hoof, but felt nothing.

CRACK!

My eyes slowly opened and the first thing I saw was Silver Shoe’s rifle shoved inside of the infected pony. “BUCK YOU!” Her horn lit up and threw the body against the dozens of infected scrambling at us from the adjacent hall. Silver Shoe was tackled against the ground with an infected biting frantically for her neck. I pushed myself away from the wall rolling the damn infected into another wall. My hooves beat into its squishy face over and over again. The thing put its hooves against my neck, pushing me just out of reach, with its mouth opening wide. Magic engulfed my horn.

HELL YES! I telekinetically threw the thing up into the ceiling and rolled out of the way while the pony was crushed by a satisfying metal crunch from a fallen air duct. I shined my light down the hall and saw … too many infected to count!

I bit down on Silver Shoe’s mane just in time to rip her away from an infected. We galloped down the hall listening to the screams and shouts of a dozen or more infected. It was like a freaking nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from! I looked over my shoulder to discover they weren't bothered by things such as stamina. I turned my head back to the double doors ahead of us.

WHA-THUNK!

We bucked open the doors and leaned against them. A piece of wood and metal pipes were shoved through the door handles by Silver Shoe. The infected banged against the door from the other side. Our horns lit up, slowly levitating a machine amongst several dozen over to the door. Suddenly, all the sounds of banging were drowned out. Silver Shoe and I leaned against the machine gently sliding our bodies down to the floor. We looked at each other and leaned against one another. That was to close.

Silver Shoe hit my shoulder with her hoof while she let out hard pants. “Those things didn’t stand a chance against us.” Right. Cause that’s why we were sent sprawling through those doors. You know, cause they were so scared of us. I just chuckled. Looking straight ahead. And froze.

Infected ponies. Everywhere.

One of the ponies ahead of us stumbled around, noticeably with way more fungus growing on its head, and stopped. It looked around. It looked straight. At. Us. Searching. Hunting.

The thing started making a weird sound. I looked at my friend with both our breaths held.

“Aregh! Aregh! Aregh!”

Ugh, those noises. Chills shot up through my spine freezing my very core. I … I wanted to move, but dear Luna those things were making noises that no pony should ever make. I barely managed to look back at Silver Shoe. My tough friend, the one that was hardly ever scared of anything, was frozen and shaking. SHE. WAS. SHAKING!

But, wait. It dawned on me that this clicker-noised infected pony wasn’t chasing us. In fact the light from my flashlight wasn’t even bothering it. I squinted my eyes and saw fungus covering its eyes. This one was different from the others. Those other infected we had escaped didn’t have fungus covering their eyes. They were just acting feral.

I stayed low to the ground and started moving over to the other machinery. From what I could see, there was a machine blocking the door we needed to go through. Of course it can never be easy, then again if I wanted easy I would have stayed home. I turned off my flashlight. If there were other infected ponies around here without fungus on their eyes, we would be seen, then bitten apart. I vaulted over a conveyer belt and stopped next to a machine. Silver Shoe bumped into me, our combined weight early tipped the thing over. It wobbled a little making only a few noises. We kept our eyes on the infected making the clicking sounds. It stumbled towards us.

How the hell is it following us? It can’t see.

We crouched lower to the ground and moved past the machine. The infected pony stumbled around the conveyer belt then came to a stop at the machine we had just been at.

THUNK!

I turned my head to the noise. From what I could tell an infected pony had hit a wall. The creature behind us stumbled back around the machinery aiming to find the source of that noise. Wait. I looked at the machine we had used to block the door. Then back at the machine we had bumped into. Then at the infected pony hitting the wall. I reached into Silver Shoe’s bag.“I need to borrow this.” I grabbed a few large screws from her bag. I really hope this works. My magic engulfed the metal.

I floated them over to the machine near the double doors, letting dropped them as hard as my magic could against the metal. Loud pinging sounds echoed around the room. Every infected in the general area stopped moving. They turned towards the door and started walking towards it. I smiled. I leaned closer to Silver Shoe, “You see that?” She nodded. We start moving around the machinery while the infected were distracted with the machine.

I rolled over one of the other conveyer belts without thinking about the infected at all. Their screams were far enough from me I didn’t need to worry about them. I moved forward and got pulled right back.

“Aregh. Aregh. Aregh!”

My heart was in my throat. It sunk back down feeling like it was ready to pop out of my chest and slap me. I looked at Silver Shoe. Her eyes were wide while the fungus pony stumbled past us without even looking in our direction. She let go of my mane, smiled, then leaned close to my ear. “Watch where you’re going.” Agreed. One hundred percent agreed. Now. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.

We started moving again. By the time we reached the door every infected had stopped messing with the machine, which was a shame. So close to busting out. Silver Shoe and I lit our horns up and we pulled the machine blocking our exit back, slowly and as quietly as we could. I looked back at the infected. None of them noticed us, thank Celestia. Silver Shoe wedged herself around the machine and pushed the doors back.

Chink-chink.

She took a hoof step back leaning close to my ear. “There’s chains on the other side of the door, with a lock and everything.” This shit is never easy. Although I’m kind of surprised and I really don’t know why. Silver Shoe went back to the door, telekinetically levitating the same screw driver and bobby pin from earlier. I looked back at the infected. They weren’t paying us any attention, but that could change.

“Can you pick it?” She stopped and looked at me with a frown.

Sorry. I’ll let you do what you gotta do. Silver Shoe went back to picking the lock. I looked back at the infected. Just a few more seconds and we are out of here. It might as well have been an hour, each passing second felt longer than last and each glance at the infected wasn’t helping my nerves.

Click.

Clink-Clink-Clink-Clunk!

The chains hit the ground, loudly. Silver Shoe froze and looked at me. I slowly turned my head at the infected and saw the infected stop in their tracks. They all turned to us and galloped in our direction. “Oh shit!” Silver Shoe pushed the door.

Thunk!

COME ON! ARE YOU SERIOUS!

Silver Shoe started squeezing her flank through the narrow space. “There’s dozens of bookcases back here!” Oh, screw you Bolt Action. Silver Shoe pulled herself out between the door and into our escape route. I turned around and levitate my pistol up. It fired off randomly while I tried crawling through the narrow space. I got stuck. My body twist in one direction, but it was wedged. “Suck it in!” I did just that and Silver Shoe pulled on my fore hooves. I looked up at the bookcases that kept the doors almost completely closed. There were a lot. Something grabbed my back hooves causing my magic to implode. My gun clattered against the ground. I rolled over and bucked the infected pony as hard as I could. It kept biting for my legs. I frantically moved them around while a long metal barrel was shoved past my head.

CRACK!

My horn lit up and I shoved my gun into its holster. Silver Shoe pulled me through, just before we let two of the bookcases topple down in front of the doors, jamming them shut permanently. The infected on the other side kept beating at the door. We just sat there, in the center of a shit ton of book cases, and breathed frantic pants. “Have I ever told you how much I hate infected?” I looked at Silver Shoe with my head shaking. She reached into her bag and tossed the maps she found into a trashcan. We got up, aimlessly finding our way through a maze of bookcases, no books, just dozens of shelves, sadly. I pushed open the exit door at the end of the hall and was greeted to the sight of … clouds! Thank Celestia, Luna, and Cadence for clouds! “You hear anything," Silver Shoe questioned. We took off our gasmasks and listened carefully.

“Nu-uh!” We both smiled and kept walking.

Lake Water

Chapter Four: Lake Water

My heart rate finally returned to normal after we put several miles in between us and Bolt Action's mine shaft from hell. Silver Shoe seemed to be doing well, she had been lost in thought for most of the walk which was fine with me since I hadn’t felt like saying much about the town. I’m willing to bet we had the same opinion about that place. Her horn, engulfed in magic, unrolled a large map in front of me. It was a map of Equestria. “Where’d you find this at?” My eyes carefully looked it over the several markings on it. Just a red dot in three different locations, probably some other Reaper hideouts which means we had better stay away from there.

Silver Shoe hummed to herself and started walking backwards. “I found it in one of the Reaper’s rooms. There were some other stuff mixed with it, but I figured they wouldn’t mind missing a map. After all Bolt Action has more where that came from.” I don’t know why, but stealing a map from the stallion that was about to be the reason for our death doesn’t seem like the smartest idea in the world. Then again Silver Shoe had a point. It’s just a map. All the cities and towns in Equestria were shown on it, but no Districts. That’s rather interesting. This must have been made before they were built. I looked at Silver Shoe.

“Plus, after being thrown in cages I think they owe us and we both know this place doesn’t play by our rules.” I agreed with that.

I looked back at the map noticing a magenta colored circle moving around a location near the mountains. It was called Lake Water. I took in a long, slow deep breath and smiled. With any luck it won’t be filled with hostile people. I’m sure we could both use some supplies as well. At the very least some more ammo. I looked for some other towns and didn’t see any. Lake Water was the only town between us or anything else. I’ve never been to a lake before. “Alright then, let’s go.” Silver Shoe rolled her map back up and galloped ahead of me.

*** ***

Hmm. The name is a little miss leading.

As we walked into Lake Water I made note that there was no actual lake anywhere near the town. Nothing. Not even a watering hole. The town itself was nice, most of the buildings were made out of brick unlike the other town we had been at which had been almost entirely of wood. From what I could tell after setting a hoof in here, there was a sheriff’s office, a general store that didn’t have a name, a bar which I planned on visiting later, along with few rooms to rent.

My small smile turned into a frown. I didn’t have any bits or gems. Whatever I did have had been taken from my bags, thankfully my weapons hadn't so there was a silver lining. Silver Shoe stopped and whistled at me. I stopped and she pulled up my hoof. She set a bag of bits down in it. “I also took this from Bolt Action’s room.” I’m sure a stallion wearing a snakeskin coat is more than capable of making this back in no time. As much as I would love to question taking money from this guy … he was miles away from us and Equestria is a big place, I won’t question it. I put the bits inside my saddle bag. Silver Shoe sat on her haunches, tapping her hoof on the ground as if she was thinking something over. I sat down and looked around. Something was off. This town was dead empty.

“Aregh! Aregh! AREEEEEGH!"

We stood up while an infected bolted out of the bar towards us! Silver Shoe tried to light up her horn. I tried to pull my gun out with my mouth.

BLAM! BLAM!

“An’ stay down you damn vermin!” A bearded pony wearing a desperado hat complete with a brown vest stepped out of the bar with a double barrel shot gun in one hoof. He leaned it against his shoulder and starred at us. His gun barrel tipped his hat up as he noticed we were both at a loss for words.

I moved my hoof away from my chest, which I hadn’t realized had moved since the infected tried to attack us. Silver Shoe’s chest puffed up a few times. She had her rifle in her hoofs and let it hit the ground while she lay back against the dirt. If I didn't know any better I'd say she was startled even more than I was. “Thanks,” was all Silver Shoe could say while her chest continued to puff up. All this excitement, it makes us so tired. And thirsty! I looked at my gun and noticed I hadn’t even gotten close to pulling it out. It was still in its holster.

The desperado pony cocked his shotgun letting two shells pop out. He set it down against a bench and walked over to us. “I apologize for the scare, ya’ll aren’t from around here are ya?” I shook my head. The desperado mulled it over while letting out a low whistle at his work on the infected. Two bullets fired, both into the creatures back. “Ya’ll can call me Sheriff.” He reached a hoof out to Silver Shoe then pulled her up off the ground. I got up and shook his hoof.

“I’m Runner, and this is Silver Shoe. Thanks for bailing us out.” Sheriff hummed while I helped him pickthe dead body up. With a good lunge we let the thing drop onto a wagon with other infected bodies. I counted five.

Sheriff whistled to a pony hiding behind some crates demanding he take the bodies away. Good riddance. “Again, I apologize for the scare, these damn clickers got into our bar again.” Again? This has happened more than once. Well every place has its set of problems, infected are looking to be the majority of problems around here. “What brings ya’ll t’ this fine town of mine?”

I looked at Silver Shoe, immediately taking notice that she was busy starring at the infected being hauled away. I opened my mouth to say something, but Silver Shoe interrupted, “We’re looking for a pegasus, have any come through here?” Sheriff thought that over for a minute before giving us a very slow nod. It wasn’t the kind of nod that told us he had seen one, it was more of a nod that said he understood our problem and would help out. Several more ponies starting walking out from their hiding spots while others opened their stores to the public. Now I see how he knew we weren’t from here, we’re the only ones not hiding. A few of them walked by and gave Silver Shoe some suspicious glances. They then looked at me and kept walking.

My eyes remained attentive to this. From the looks we were receiving I didn't like being out in the open even with the sheriff being a few hoof steps away from us. Their were several ponies near the general store whispering. I'd give anything for a heightened sense of hearing right about now.

“Let’s continue this conversation inside my office.” Sheriff grabbed his shotgun from the bench then escorted us down the street. It took me until now to notice he had two pistols strapped over both his flanks with a few sticks of dynamite. I guess if you can’t get a grenade that’s the next best thing. Silver Shoe spun around in small circles, taking in the entire town to get a feel for it, while Sheriff told us about the town. It was built around the same time the Districts were put up, but there wasn’t a date that told us if it had been built before or after those walls had gone up.

Sheriff kicked open his door letting us go in first. The room was small. It had two jail cells side by side, a desk near the door, and a small poker table near some wanted posters. He sat down at his desk and put the shotgun inside of a large cabinet behind him.  I kept looking at the wanted posters. Brave Day: Wanted for twenty counts of known murder. Cannonball Joe: Wanted for property destruction and five counts of murder. Steam Chaser: Wanted for robbery. Sour Tooth: Wanted Dead. “You’re both lucky you found our fine town, I hear them criminals have been sighted around the area.”

That put me on edge. We’d already met one of them and he scared the ever loving crap out of me. His burning mane was still clawing at my nightmares. In fact, he gave my nightmares, nightmares of their own.

I didn’t even want to be in the same room as the poster. The freaking poster! Silver Shoe pulled up a chair and sat down in front of Sheriff’s desk. “About the pegasus were trying to track down.” Sheriff hummed while he pulled out a bottle of Apple Whiskey from his drawer. He poured three glasses.

“We had a run in with a pegasus and griffon a while back, but I haven’t seen them since. I’m sure I heard something about them, but my memory ain’t what it used to be.” He was being serious. Most of the time I would expect to pay some pony for his answers, but he was actually thinking hard about it. From the looks of it he had heard something recently. I took my attention away from the wanted posters and saw a large map of Equestria set up on the poker table.

Now that I think about it, those infected ponies from earlier looked like the ones in the mine. I voiced my observation about the different kinds of infected. Sheriff chuckled. “You folks really aren’t from around these parts are you? See we have two different kinds of infected, that we know of, running around Lake Water.” Let the mental note taking begin! I sat down and had my full attention turned to this. Silver Shoe groaned and gave me a nasty look for interrupting her conversation. “You’ve got t’ regular infected, you know the ones that act feral and crazy like. Then you’ve got clickers, those are a nasty bunch that use sounds to move around.” Oh, like a bat. That’s interesting. “Those are the ones you need to watch out fer. They are a nasty piece of work that pick up on the smallest of sounds. Bitch to get away from t’.” Dually noted and accounted for.

Silver Shoe nodded her head slowly. She was just taking it all in. “Are there any places you’d suggest checking out that don’t have infected running around?” That was one of my bigger concerns. How many places had these things crawling around looking for fresh pony meat?

Sheriff leaned back in his chair which gave way to a few squeaks. He hummed, taking a drink from his glass. I levitated mine over to the poker table and drank. “Well there’s only a few places that have no infected around them. You’ve got Manehattan and Fillydelphia near the ocean, any remaining District,” which from what I hear are only two including mine. Sheriff paused to take a quick look at another map pinned against the wall. “There’s also Canterlot and Ponyville. The cops keep those places pretty well patrolled so you shouldn’t be seeing that many of them.” Silver Shoe marked these places down on her map. Looks like we have more places to travel to. “Stay away from Harbor City though, that place has infected crawling near its wall. I don’t trust it.”

Good, cause neither do I. Besides I doubt Silver Shoe’s sister would be staying near any infected. I mean I don’t know her preferences, but who would really want to live near infected. “But enough about me and this somewhat deranged land, tell me about yourselves. Where ya’ll from.” Silver Shoe spat our home out right away. I can speak for both of us when I say we’re tired of saying where we were from. Sheriff cleared his throat. “Well I can see you two aren’t very fond of home. You know the sad part is that way back when they were first built, ponies would scramble for miles to be inside one away from all the gloom the infected were causing.”

It was all that stupid devices fault.

That’s what the crazy pony had said to me. I won’t pay too much attention to it, but you never know where some valuable information will come from. I spoke up, “How come there aren’t any infected running around here? You know aside from all the clickers inside the bar.” Sheriff snorted at that. He pointed a hoof out the window and I pulled back the curtain. A sniper was posted on top of a tall building. I could make out another one a few buildings down.

“You see I want t’ offer this town the best security I can, that means I need t’ have four snipers watching over this town. Each one covers the others blind spot. Won’t have any criminals come through here.” I looked back out the window again. He was right. Each sniper was put on a building that could allow them to see where the other snipers couldn’t. All in all it was a good setup. “It keeps the murders out. Especially Sour Tooth.” Yeah, I can see why a pony like him would want to be kept well away from any towns just trying to survive. “If’in you don’t mind me asking, why’d ya’ll leave the District?”

Lots of reasons. But I could tell from the look on Silver Shoe’s face that she despised the place even more now that we had our first taste of freedom outside that place. Her hoof started tapping against the ground rather hard. “They treated us like garbage.” She was in dark places, I was about to go to those same places. “I won’t ever go back to that place.” Sheriff nodded and pushed the remaining drink over to her. She downed it right away and started to calm down. Breathe in. Hold it. Hold it. Exhale. I calmed down to.

Sheriff nodded understandingly, pouring Silver Shoe another drink. His face had let down its stone expression and replaced it with a more sympathetic one. He didn’t cross any lines, we just … we needed to see the outside world more than we had realized. Sure there might be murders and infected out here, but it beats looking over your shoulder every day praying to the Princesses that we won’t get back stabbed. “Well we’ll treat you fairly. The fine ponies in this town have always wanted to live like the ponies of the past. There used to be a time where fillies could wander around outside without a care in the world looking for their cutie mark.” I looked at my own flank. A gear. I liked it. It could represent a lot of things. My father told me he couldn’t tell me what it represented, but I believe it represented a transmission, like the one’s found in gliders. I blinked noticing Sheriff had said something that I had missed, but from Silver Shoe’s expression I could guess it was just some rambling.

I had to admit this was a nice feeling. The only time I had ever gotten to sit around and talk with another pony like this was during the cook outs or with a half sleeping old goat. This was better. Silver Shoe set her empty whiskey glass down loudly. “Well I hate to be this mare, but that all happened before our time. So let’s get back to the present." Always the blunt one as usual. I grinned a little. "Do you remember if that pegasus had a cutie mark with stones falling like a waterfall?” Waterfall? Why was I picturing a mare like Silver Shoe tossing stones off of buildings and nailing windows?

That’s when I realized something. “Wait. You’re parents are both earth ponies.”

“How in thunderation did two earth ponies have a pegasus and unicorn as foals,” Sheriff asked trying to put a cigar in his mouth, but dropped it. We both stared at each other then slowly turned to Silver Shoe for answers.

Silver Shoe sighed and nodded. “Well you see my great-great-great-great grandfather was a unicorn and my aunt’s second cousin twice removed was a pegasus. That makes sense right?” Ugh. I guess. I’m not a genealogy or biology expert. I mean by that logic we should see more than just four Alicorns. Just smile and nod. Even Sheriff’s smiling and nodding!

Sheriff cleared his throat and pulled Silver Shoe’s map over to his side of the desk. He looked it over while we listened to his hoof tap against the north end of the map. “I don’t remember much about them, I’d know ‘em if I saw ‘em, but I can tell you this much. There have been reports of some hijackings involving a griffon and a pegasus. No names I’m afraid.” Silver Shoe looked down at the map and she noticed what I noticed. There are a lot of towns up north from here. It would take us forever to track them down.

WHA-THUNK!

A pony dressed in rancher clothing burst through the door. He had a silver star on his vest. “Sheriff, we have a problem in the generator storage area.” The lights started flickering on and off. Sheriff sighed and got up.

“Is it t’ infected kind?”

The rancher pony nodded. Sheriff opened up his cabinet with a rather angry groan. He set down several large ammo boxes, two shotguns, three pistols, and a rifle. “Runner, Silver Shoe, I’d like you to meet my deputy. Deputy, grab some ammo.” Sheriff cracked his shotgun open and loaded two rounds into it. He reloaded all of his pistols and gave one of the extra to Deputy. Sheriff turned to us, “How about we make a deal?” I shrugged. “You two help us clear out the generator area and I’ll give you the name of the last town I heard those hijackers were seen at.” Silver Shoe smiled and shook his hoof.

“You’ve got yourself a deal, Sheriff.” Never thought we’d be working for the law enforcement.

Sheriff tossed Silver Shoe a shotgun and she caught it in her levitation field. She cracked it open and loaded it with two shells while an ammo box of shotgun ammo floated right into her saddle bags. Sheriff passed me the rifle. I held it in my hooves and noticed it was the kind you could just lean into and pull the trigger with your hoof. More guns need this feature!

I have to admit it was a mighty fine weapon. Deputy set two ammo boxes next to me and I put them in my bags. Rifle ammo and pistol ammo. I put each gun in a holster, triple checking to make sure they were all loaded to full capacity. I was good to go. Silver Shoe was already walking out the door. I followed Sheriff out making sure to shut the door behind me.

“What have you got for me, Deputy?” Sheriff kept his pistol in his mouth. I’ll be honest I’m surprised he can even talk like that. And so clearly to! That’s a good skill to have with guns like those.

“Just a couple of infected and clickers. Nothing major, but enough so that it’s better we have these two with us.” Sheriff nodded and looked at us. Deputy didn't look impressed. “Can they even handle a gun?”

Silver Shoe scoffed and walked past all of us. Deputy looked at me, “I didn’t mean anything by that. We just … we need good ponies with guns.” I looked at him shaking my head. That didn’t really offend me, now Silver Shoe on the other hand took a decent sense of pride from her shooting skills. Just like how I would take pride in the flying skills I wish I had.

Sheriff put a hoof on Silver Shoe’s shoulder and went into the bar first. We followed in together. Everything was messed up. Tables were thrown all around, bottles were smashed to pieces, even the chandelier was ready to snap clean of its chain. A gun was jammed through the restroom door. Still better than the bars where I’m from! A few bottles near the bar fell over.

“AREGH!”

Sheriff pulled out a stick of dynamite. Silver Shoe put a hoof on his shoulder slowly levitating her shotgun out. She quietly moved over to the bar and crouched next to it. In one swift movement she jumped over the bar and …

BLAM! BLAM!

Her head came back up while she reloaded the gun. “I don’t know. Can I handle a gun?” Sarcasm! Deputy looked at me and shot me a look I knew very well. No, she was not going to let that question go anytime soon.

“AREGH!"

Several infected from upstairs came running down after us. Sheriff tossed a lit stick of dynamite at the bottom of the staircase. My horn lit up and I covered all of us with every table I could levitate. The entire room shook while a flash from the other side of the room blinded me. My eyes snapped shut, my body feeling several large chunks of wood hit me. I slowly opened my eyes and found the infected all lying dead on the ground. Damn.

The area where the dynamite had hit was scorched black, but aside from that and a few minor scrapes from the ruined tables I’d call this a win. Sheriff trotted over to a door and pushed it open. He waved a hoof at us and we all followed him down a staircase. I spared one last glance at the door noticing  the lights flicker a bit more. I asked Silver Shoe if she was sure about this. She cocked her shotgun. “Stay sharp every pony.”

Gems in the Rough

Chapter Six: Gems in the Rough

AGH! My head! It’s like a hangover and clicker are fighting in my head and both winning!

The low creak from a cabinet forced my eyes wide open. A low ringing in my ear made me want to vomit. Actually …

I turned to a bucket next to me and unloaded everything else my stomach had left in it, followed by an uncontrollable coughing fit. My head raised up slowly and my eyes locked onto the wonderful sight of headache medication and water. First I cleaned my mouth off with a rag, then I downed the medication without question. I’m hoping this doesn’t end with my magic being disabled for a short amount of time. I checked the label. Side effects may include blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda. Nothing about magical loss.

Ugh.

I slowly rose back up, almost falling face first into my hurl bucket, but I managed to lay back down without doing so. My heart pounded a lot less than I thought it would. And now that I thought about it, where the hell was I? I blinked a few times, slowly turning my head around to see I was in the Sheriff’s office inside of a jail cell. Silver Shoe wasn’t anywhere to be seen. “Welcome back to the land of the living,” it was Sheriff’s voice. My head twitched to the side. Ugh. Please. Just. Please, shut up! My head is … starting to feel better now. Huh, that medicine kicks in fast!

I lit up my horn and tried to lift my pillow a little. The thing just fell on my face. Can I just lay here? Forever? It beats getting shot at and terrorized by infected. Ugh, I can’t do that. I pushed the hurl bucket under my bed and rolled off. My legs wobbled like crazy while I started coughing again. Sheriff looked up from his magazine. “Whoa … easy there Runner, you took some nasty hits an’ inhaled a lot of those spores after your mask feel off. Least that’s what the doctor said.” I kept moving. My hooves caught the edge of the cell bars to help me keep my balance. I waited for a second or two, it was probably more like a minute, then kept moving. It was like breaking out of my former home, escaping Bolt Action’s mine, getting here and dealing with that bloater all at once with no sleep, food or water times a really big number that was making my head start to hurt again.

“Yeah, I’m going to feel this in …” I looked outside, “the morning. Its night right?” Sheriff nodded and put his Apple Whiskey up. Somehow I think he knew I was about to ask for some of that. It’s for the best that I don’t mix alcohol with medication. Sheriff, on the other hoof, had no trouble getting the bottle back out to pour himself a glass. Something was tugging at my stomach. It was a white bandage rag that stretched all around my wounds. I pulled up a chair, wobbling a little before taking seat in front of Sheriff’s desk.

He eyed me carefully and looked at the hurl bucket. “I’m gonna have to ask you to refrain from hurlin’ all over my desk.” I chuckled with a courteous nod. My head felt … empty. I couldn’t think straight to save my life. The only question I really wanted answered was about Silver Shoe. Where the hell was she? Sheriff set a large pitcher of water down on his desk.

“That is the most beautiful thing I have seen in my entire life,” I chimed softly licking my lips. I was thirsty. No. Scratch that. I was dehydrated.

“Take it.” I looked at him with my eyes wide. He was serious!

I grabbed the pitcher and chugged the water down at a speed I didn’t even know was possible. Celestia, thank you for bringing me to ponies that can save my flank! Thank you so much! Something caught my attention, a squeaking chair that wasn’t making my head yell out at me. I looked at the poker table and saw Silver Shoe leaning back in a chair with her map sitting on the table. When did she get there? You know I’m not going to question it. My senses are too far gone. Silver Shoe cracked her shoulder, rolling her fore hoof a couple times. “We scratched your back, now you scratch ours.” She was pissed? Oh for the love of … I can’t tell if she pissed, happy, sad or ready to kick some ass. Probably all of those mixed together? I need to sleep.

“Of course.”

Sheriff nodded and walked over to the poker table. He put his hoof down on some town I couldn’t read. Silver Shoe starred down at it, “Remington?” Sheriff nodded.

“That’s where they were last seen. You’ll want to be careful heading over there. Mass amount of infected an’ criminals have been sighted near there. Fireflies to.” Silver Shoe nodded and rolled up her map. She shot me a sly smile while carefully rolling up her map, her horn lit up in the process. The Apple Whiskey bottle along with a small glass floated up just before the bottle tipped over pouring Silver Shoe a glass. She took the glass and put everything back before taking a victory chug. I noticed she had the same kind of bandage rags I had on, only hers wrapped around part of her stomach while the rest coiled around her right fore hoof. Silver Shoe set her chair down finishing off her drink. Her horn lit up and the saddle bags from her jail cell floated out.

She set the bags on her back just as she trotted to the door. Her hoof was on the door when she turned to look at me. “You doing okay?” She quietly took a step over to me, looking straight into my eyes. “You might want to get some rest, spores made your eyes look red.” A mirror from her cell levitated over to us. I looked into it taking note that my usual green eyes were bloodshot. I hummed and tried to get my hooves to lift me up. They didn’t want to. I’ll try again later.

Sheriff poured himself one last glass of Apple Whiskey to finish off the bottle. He threw it in the trash and downed his drink right away. “You two feel free t’ stay here tonight. Least I can do for ya’ll after everything you’ve done for us today. As for me, I’m starving.” With a tip of his desperado hat the stallion walked out the door just before it started pouring rain. A loud clap of thunder shook the office.

“So what’s our next play?” That was my go to phrase when speaking to Silver Shoe about a plan. I could make plans like it was a cake walk, but more often than not they fell apart for lack of a backup plan.

Her hoof pointed straight at my bed. “For starters, you’re getting some rest. I’m going to find a workbench and fix my rifle up with a better scope. We move in the morning.” All the parts were shoved back into her bag and she trotted out the door. I lit up my horn gently shutting on my friend’s way out. My attention went back to my bed.

Alright. I can do this.

I got up. Slowly.

One leg in front of the other.

Right. Left. Right. Left.

I fell forward and caught hold of the cell bars. My breathing turned into fast pants while I lifted myself back up. With another step turned into a leap, my body flopped down on the bed earning a loud squeaky protest.

Now where were my saddle bags? I found them under the bed and grabbed my Swordmares comic. I’ll get some light reading done then I’ll hit the sack.

*** ***

I opened my eyes and found the main character from the comic starring back at me. The book slid off my muzzle while I sat up being greeted to the sweet smell of breakfast. Deputy sat in Sheriff’s chair with two plates in front of him. “Morning.” He scratched his ear before pulling out a few magazines and comics one at a time. I slid my Swordmares issue into my saddle bags then got up. My legs didn’t wobble. In fact my head was clear. No headaches or pains. My stomach felt great as well.

I walked out of the cell stealing a few glances at my bandage rags. They had turned slightly red, probably from some cuts I had, don’t remember getting those, but a lot happened when that bloater attacked. “How come I’m doing just fine? Medication usually doesn’t heal a pony up over night with the beating I took.” I looked at Deputy’s body and noticed he had some bandage rags wrapped around his fore hoof as well.

“That’s all thanks to Fluterrshy’s bandage rags. Some mare a couple hundred years ago made the fastest healing rags any pony has ever seen. If you can’t get to a hospital, these are the next best things.” I bit down on the rags feeling their slight sting while peeling them off my body. They came off with ease despite being a bit painful. It was like I had been to a hospital, received the best treatment available and then some. “They’re easy to make to. Just get some medical alcohol and bandage rags from any medical kit.” Noted.

I tossed the rags into the trash and stretched. ARGH! Man a good stretch and I’m good to go! WOO!

I sat down eyeing at the stack of comics and magazines. Grand Theft Glider: Blitz Play and The Walking Undead: Escape the Iron Fortress were the only titles I could see. My gaze moved to the comic Deputy was holding. Swordmares issue two. “You’re into Swordmares? How far are you?” Deputy’s ears perked up. He looked at me with a cheery smile.

“I’ve read roughly forty books out of order, and I’m the proud owner of two issues!” His hoof moved two other comics away before I caught sight of the third issue. He moved it on top of the stack and went back to reading. My eyes went to the food.

Damn, that looks good. “Oh, that’s for you.” Deputy pushed one of the plates to me. My eyes grew wide at the sight of three apples, hay and two oranges. I ate them without hesitation. The door creaked open with Silver and Sheriff blocking the doorframe while the trotted inside. Her bandages had already been ripped off along with any sour expression she might have had, or that I thought she might have had the night before. In fact she looked rather cheerful with a slight hint of being ready to kick some ass.

Silver Shoe walked past me and I tossed her two of my apples. They landed in her levitation field before floated into her saddle bags. “I hope ya’ll are feeling right and dandy this morning,” Sheriff’s thunderous voice drew all of our attention. Sheriff looked at me and Silver Shoe. I smiled taking a bite out of my apple. “Deputy, come on, get up. We’ve got us another problem out near the ridge.” Silver Shoe floated out Sheriff’s weapons while he put each one into a holster. Deputy threw his comic down on top of the desk and galloped out the door. My horn sparked to life telekinetically shoving whatever belonged to me back inside my saddle bags, which only consisted of a pistol. Plus a mask.

Sheriff put his hoof on the door ready to follow Deputy, but stopped. He looked back at us. “It was great having you two here with us. I hope you find what you’re looking for, but if’in you don’t, feel free to come back here anytime. Door’s always open to hard workers like ya’ll.” With a tip of his hat the sheriff trotted out after his deputy. I looked out the window and saw a few other ponies following them to deal with whatever issue needed them.

“Wait outside, I’ll catch up,” Silver Shoe said rather calmly. I hummed to her finishing the rest of my food. Just before I trotted out the door I caught a glance at her taking a bottle of Apple Whiskey from Sheriff’s cabinet.

“Did he say you could take that?” Silver Shoe looked up at me and nodded.

I walked outside taking in a breath of fresh air. It wouldn’t be the first time she took something that didn’t belonged to her and it wouldn’t be the last. Somehow I could actually believe that Sheriff would let us take a least a little something for the road. A hoof went around my shoulder. It was Silver Shoe’s. “Alright, let’s move out. That way.” Silver Shoe spun me in the direction we were heading in. We started moving that way.

*** ***

Rain drops started hitting my muzzle several hours after we had left. I looked up at the sky listening carefully for thunder. Nothing. Just rain. Silver Shoe hummed to herself allowing her pink mane to bounce around while she stayed in her own little world. I swear she was ready to bust out into some dance when she got into the music playing in her head. “What made you so happy?” She stopped humming.

Her map of Equestria floated out in front of me covered in a healthy magenta glow. I could see a bunch of empty space between us and Remington. Silver Shoe’s smile turned into a sly grin. “Between here and Remington is the carnival.” Of course. Should have guessed. I let a long sigh and shook my head.

“Fine. But after this we’re going through to Remington.”

Silver Shoe rolled her eyes before casually rolling up her map. I noticed it went into my saddle bags. “Once we get to Remington we’ll look for Showering Stones, if she’s not there or the pegasus we find isn’t her then we can go anywhere you want. No complaints. Promise, but only if you stop mopping around!” I looked at her and smiled. Alright. Deal. We shook hooves and pressed on. “Oh, I also got you these.” Silver Shoe levitated out the second and third issues of Swordmares.

What! You. Got. Thank you!

“Wait.” I looked them over carefully. They looked awfully familiar. I mean I know I had seen them before, but they looked really familiar. I turned them over a couple of times. The only pony I know that had these was … no. She didn’t.

“I saw you reading the first issue last night and figured you earned something to read while we go from place to place.” I stopped in my tracks not looking up from the colorful covers. These didn’t belong to me plus they weren’t taken from a pony that deserved to have something taken from them. “Bet you’re happy as I am now,” Silver Shoe said with a bright innocent, if yet somewhat sly, smile.

I shook my head defiantly, “No. We need to take these back.”

“Why,” she gave me a flat response.

Why? Because we actually made some friends over in that town. Why? Because if your sister turns out to be the one that stole their stuff and we go back then there’s a high chance we’re going to be kicked right back out. “You took these from Deputy. Last time I checked we stole things from ponies that deserved it, not ponies that give us a place to stay and information we desperately need.” Silver Shoe kept moving. I trotted after her.

“Just so we’re clear, those weren’t the only interesting titles I knocked into my bags.” I brought my hoof to my face. She wasn’t going to turn back around and I knew I wasn’t about to turn all the way back by myself. I opened my mouth, but Silver Shoe turned around anticipating that; she put her hoof against my mouth. “We’re just borrowing it. Sheriff is the only pony that seems to know anything about a pegasus, which means we’ll have to come back if everything else turns up empty.” She had a fair point. I’d rather just give them back now, but if we stop back through there then I’d be okay with giving them back then.

Silver Shoe levitated a few more books up. They circled my head. Enchanted: The Unicorns Guide to Casting Protection Spells. I took that and put it in my bag. The second one was … Wing Boner magazine. I could feel the blush burning on my face. “That one’s a little light on the reading, but it has some really interesting pictures.” I knocked it away. She brought back over to us and tried to put it in my bag.

“Hey! I don’t want that thing in my bag!” I galloped around her in circles while the magazine followed me. Silver Shoe’s straight face turned into a sheepish grin before she finally busted out into a laughing fit. “Silver Shoe! Get this thing away from me!” As if on que she bolted away from me.

I looked over my shoulder spying the thing gaining on me.

Come on Runner! Be like your name and run!

Silver Shoe slowed down enough to shout out, “What, you don’t want to learn how to cast protection spells, your comic book hero’s latest adventure, or this week’s sexiest mares?” I galloped past Silver Shoe and just ran. I had the map. I’m good.

“SILVER SHOE!” I could still feel that stupid magazine following me! My horn sparked up engulfing both Silver Shoe and the magazine inside of my magic field.

She frowned, “Fine. I’m sorry for the dirty mag joke. I’ll find you something else to read later and you can keep the map.” I didn’t buy it. Silver Shoe put the magazine back in her bag and I let her go. She trotted past me with a devious smile. “Was that so hard?” I’m not going to answer that.

We kept walking.

*** ***

Half an hour later we started galloping as fast as we could down the road to some train station. The weather had gotten worse and wasn’t showing any sign of letting up anytime soon. I galloped onto the wooden platform and stopped. Silver Shoe stopped next to me.

“Work you damn diamond dog!”

We looked at each other then carefully looked around the corner. A large hulking dog pulled a mine kart towards us. Packed to the rim with a pony sitting on top of it were hordes of shining gem stones. Silver Shoe pulled me back, “They haven’t noticed us yet.” I looked around frantically for a place to hide. Nothing. There were a few barrels, but that never works. My eyes went to the barrels near a door. We quietly moved towards them …

“We got some more unicorns in today, some of them mares.”

“Mm.”

Two more voices, coming from the opposing corner. Silver Shoe looked at me and then at the dust tinted window behind us. Her horn lit up shaking the glass up a little. She scrambled through it and I followed her. We shut the window just as the shadow of the mine kart moved past us not even a minute later. I put my ear up close to the window, just enough so that I could hear what was going on, but not close enough to be seen. “I can’t wait to get my hooves on one of them.” Slave traders. It had to be slave traders. Staring at the window a bit longer, I could see a flag handing from a rusted curtain rod. The emblem embedded on it was of a charcoal pony, looking as if it was flying, with wings made of light.

That’s not a slave trader flag. In fact that flag looks like it was recently hung.

My eyes finally adjusted to the dark and I immediately noticed the station was small. I looked at Silver Shoe. She was grinding her teeth together. Her horn sparked to life. I looked back at the window and watched two shadows move by.

I put my hoof on her shoulder. She took in a deep breath slowly beginning to calm down. “Whoa, don’t start something we can’t finish.” Her horn’s light subsided. She jerked her head away from me and started looking through some boxes. The door jiggled behind us.

Silver Shoe looked at me and ran over to a bar. She pulled me with her, taking me right behind the counter. The door slowly opened. “Just do me a favor and go easy on them. I still need them to work. Besides you know how Queen Firefly feels about the way you treat mares. I’m surprised she hasn’t cut your throat yet.” I swallowed. Another murderer. Here? I leaned my head at the corner of the bar, but Silver Shoe pulled me back. Her hoof swung back towards a bottle of whiskey. I lit up my horn and stopped it from hitting anything.

Hoof steps echoed closer to us. Silver Shoe’s horn sparked up while a dark blanket was thrown over me. A second later, Silver Shoe got close to me and looked up at the stallion staring down at us. “You’re telling me.” The stallion looked at a wall safe. “You know how pissy that mare gets sometimes, speaking of being pissed.” He pulled out a sack from the safe and tossed it to his friend. “Give those to her for me. The one thing she hates more than the things I do to mares is not getting her share of gems.” The other stallion hummed and walked out of the station. The stallion in front of us walked away, not even sparing us a second glance.

The door shut.

Silver Shoe moved away and pulled the blanket off of me. I l just stared at her alongside the blanket. “I love your illusion spell.” She smiled and put the blanket back in her bag. Next thing I knew she was digging into the wall safe, no lock picking required. Just turn and pull the handle! Her head went inside and she came back out with a bag of bits.

I walked away from the bar looking around for some kind of weapon. Nothing really stood out. “Those miss-treating-mares sons of bitches,” Silver Shoe growled with her horn flaring up. I walked back over to her placing a hoof on her shoulder. She was tense.

“I know, I know.” I looked at the door, slowly beginning to light up my horn. A cabinet moved in front of it. Silver Shoe wasn’t easing up at all. I looked into her eyes, “You tell me what you need me to do.” She smiled and grabbed an apple from her bag. Silver Shoe moved us over to another window that overlooked a large cliff leading down to a mine. Her hoof tapped against the windowsill. I looked at the area surrounding the cliff, a town with dozens of buildings was built a couple feet away from the edge, a good several yards from our hideout. Yeah, if this is a mine there’s got to be a lift somewhere in that town.

Silver Shoe bit into her apple, giving her head a light scratch. “You thinking what I’m thinking?” I nodded. I’ve got a pretty good idea.

“What’ve you got in mind,” I rested my hooves against the windowsill keeping an eye on the town.

She swallowed and took another bite out of her apple, “I’m thinking these slave traders have a mine filled with slaves and gems they don’t need anymore.” You know I’m really starting to like where this is going.  “One of us will find the lift in town. The other one will find the slaves, release them, find the gems being stashed in the mine, feed some into the lift and get pulled up into the town.” Alright. Sounds good.

If Silver Shoe uses her illusion spell to sneak by the guards, dogs and murderer we might be able to pull this off without having to waste any ammo. The way this storm is going it won’t be too hard sneaking around the town. Silver Shoe finished her apple, “Oh, you’re going into the mine.” Yeah, yeah. Then we’re home free once we get the … wait … what?

I looked Silver Shoe. She smiled, biting into her second apple. I opened my mouth to speak, but she put her hoof on my mouth. “Because knowing me, if I see those slave traders in that mine miss treating any of those mares, I’m going to go trigger happy. You’ve got better self-control.” I … well … but your plans … I’m going to get shot at. A lot. I don’t like this plan. “I don’t know about you, but I can think of some good reasons why they don’t need that shit anymore.”

Fine.

*** ***

I crouched behind a large crate, only taking a second to peer around it slowly. Diamond dogs were everywhere, so were the slave traders moving out of the mine. Bad part is there are tons of them.

How the hell am I supposed to get from here to there without being seen was a good question. It would have been easier if Silver Shoe had freaking done this instead. There were some TNT crates a couple feet away.

I rolled over to them.

My head snapped around the crate, no one noticed me. Good. I took in a deep breath and looked over at a few tents pitched near the mine. There were two rows, most of them empty. Oh … that gave me a great idea. A sly smile stretch across my face. I checked around carefully and kept moving to the first tent. My eyes darted around restlessly for any ponies that might have noticed me. I slid into the first tent and rolled under the bed.

Hoof steps crept past the tent.

“Look all I’m saying is maybe we think about taking that bitch out.”

It was some stallion that had no idea some pony was under the bed. He kept walking giving me all the time I needed to scavenge. There were some lockers set up in each tent. I started there. The locker came open without any noise, thank Celestia, and something caught my attention. SCORE! A sawed-off shotgun. I cracked it open. Empty. I strapped it to my back anyway. There wasn’t any ammo around, but it didn’t hurt to check the other tents.

I moved to the next one, hearing hoof steps in the tent across from me. The first thing I did was dive under a table that had a blanket drooping down around most of it. I stayed close to the blanket and watched a slave trader walk in. “Shit, you got more courage than I do. I’d give all my gems to get moved out of Brave Day’s office. She’s always giving me that killers-eye of hers! I swear she’s going to stab me in the back one of these days.” The stallion walked towards the mine and didn’t look back. Phew.

Moving out from underneath the table I began searching. I opened another locker only to find nothing. “I’ll get the stun gun,” a stallion shouted from right around the tents flap. I dove under the bed. My eyes were locked on him while he grabbed a stun gun from the table I had been at. The stallion trotted out.

I quietly followed, using very bit of stealth I had to sneak into the next tent. First thing I did was open the locker. Jackpot. I found two ammunition boxes with shotgun ammo in it. They were immediately shoved in my bag, aside from two shells. The second thing I did was reload the shotgun.

This didn’t feel right. Something felt off. It was never this easy. Hardly any plan I’m apart of goes this swimmingly without any contingencies. The though had crossed my mind that maybe scores outside of what I was used to were different here, but I shoved that thought aside.

VEROOOOOOOOOOGHGHHGHGH!

A glider slowly came flying down at the ground. The pony it was strapped to hit the ground with clean precision and accuracy, she parked it in one of the tents close to where I was hunkered down at. She walked out and I hid behind some of the crates just outside the tent she had gone into. “You guys go back to town, send the next workers over here.” They were all scared of her, which could only mean it was the boss lady, Brave Day. Surprisingly enough she was a deadly attractive unicorn mare with a dark blue coat.

OH COME ON! Things were going so well. I’ll admit everything feels about normal now.

Brave Day took her share of money from that stallion from earlier before heading inside the mine. I scratched my head and smiled. All the slave traders were walking away from the mines entrance. Once they were far enough away I galloped over to the entrance.

I went inside, arriving face to face with a large underground room the size of Canterlot that had branching tunnels going in all kinds of directions. The air inside made me want to cough uncontrollably. Without any though, I grabbed a rag from my saddle bags keeping it pulled tightly around my mouth to avoid inhaling whatever was in the air. Metal support beams stretched up to the top, holding the structure intact along with one large office building built into the dirt wall. I managed to glimpse Brave Day going inside. Before any pony could see me I hid behind some overturned mine karts. My eyes scanned the area. Amongst the dozens of karts filled to the brim was a drill the size of Sheriff’s office.

Damn, what the hell do they need a drill that big for?

Amongst my amazement of such a machine, I caught sight of chained up diamond dogs pulling karts of gems into one of the branching tunnels. With any luck that would be where they were stashing all the gems. And even if it wasn’t my lucky day, I could still swipe a few small bags away before making my escape. My hoof began to lightly tap one of the karts next to me. Decision needed to be made now. Or at least after I found out where the other ponies were being imprisoned.

And … there it is.

Several mares were violently shoved out of a tunnel to the right. The stallions behind them held them at gun point, forcing them into another tunnel. That’s where I need to go next. I started moving. It wasn’t hard avoiding detection, most of the stallions were too busy checking out the mares. You know, I might be a guy, but even I know when staring at mares just becomes creepy. Then again when you’re a slave trader you probably don’t give a damn. Just keep moving Runner, they’ll get what they give. You know what, I’m starting to appreciate the fear they have for Brave Day.

I scrambled behind a few more karts before carefully peering around the corner. One of the slave traders walked out of the tunnel with keys jingling against his belt. My horn lit up, gently unlatching them from his belt and over to me. The moment those keys were in my mouth I galloped into the tunnel. Something caught my eye. I turned around and looked out the tunnel. A sniper was starring right at me. We locked eyes for a minute. He looked at another pony station near the drill and waved his hoof.

“Get the drill ready!”

What the hell? Doesn’t he know I’m not … whatever. Let’s just move.

I galloped into the jail room and slid across the dirt. Hung around the room were several of those banners like the ones from inside the train station. It was clear to me now that these weren’t slave traders, but rather an enemy called the Fireflies. Dozens of jail cells were stacked on top of each other with unicorn ponies practically brushing up against one another with even the lightest twitch. “I’m busting you guys out.” My horn lit up. Nothing. I tried to light up my horn again. Nothing happened.

One of the mares squeezed through the crowd, waving me over. I galloped up a dirt ramp and stopped in front of her. She tried lighting up her horn, but her horn wouldn’t do anything. “Leave. Brave Day is a murderer and psychopath, if she catches you in here with us … you won’t ever leave.” I put the key in the lock and turned it. I quickly pulled the key back out letting the slaves beat the door open. The mare smiled, “Thank you.” She joined the rest of the slaves while I galloped to the next cell. I repeated the process and eventually called down to the mare.

She ran up the ramps and joined me after I opened the tenth cage. “I need you to finish this up for me.” I looked around and pointed to a shotgun on top of one of the tables. Every pony was to frantic trying to get away to notice it. “Use that if you need to.” I reached into my bag, then pulled out some shotgun rounds and slid them into a small ammo box. She took them, before bolting off to the next cage. My hooves took me all the way down the ramps while the mare finished opening the rest of the cells. I sprinted out of the tunnel aiming straight towards the tunnel holding the gems. Brave Day’s voice shook the cave with her booming voice.

“I WANT THE HEADS OF EVERY UNICORN ESCAPING!”

The diamond dogs ripped off some sort of shock collar they had been wearing, quickly turning on the slave traders thinking they were still in control. I ran into the tunnel I was after and heard gunshots going off. Flashes of all kinds were going off as well, whatever stopped the unicorn’s magic in the jail cells wasn’t effecting them out here. A set of double doors lay ahead of me. Jackpot!

WHA-THUNK!

The doors slammed shut behind me and my … my sweet Celestia and all the other princesses. Gems as clear as dragon scales shined brightly in every corner of the room. Silver Shoe … you need to freaking see this! I put my hoof on my jaw and felt drool. Okay, I don’t remember loving gems so much that I drooled, but look at all of those gems! My horn sparked to life before flipping an overturned kart on top of the tracks leading deeper into the tunnel.

Those tracks had better take me to a lift. Cause from where I’m standing I’ll get caught in no time.

I rolled the kart back and forth making sure it could actually be used. My horn started glowing brighter, telekinetically lifting dozens of gems into a crate. That crate floated up and set itself down gently into the kart. I jumped into the kart, then, doing the only thing I could think of to get this son of bitch moving, I put my hooves against a support beam. The doors exploded open. “Get the hell out of my mine!” Brave Day, with her glider strapped to her body, pointed all of her weapons at me. A sniper rifle, a sawed-off shotgun, a pump action shotgun, three pistols, two revolvers and a submachine gun. I pushed the kart away from the support beam and rolled down the tracks straight into the mine. Bullets ripped through the air in my direction.

I ducked down into the kart, listening to every single ear shattering shot fillet against the metal. Damn, that girl’s a great shot! I poked my head up and hid back inside the kart while it continued picking up speed. The kart went up a hill, past a window big enough for me to see the drill starting up. “They’re taking the drill!” I’m not taking the drill? Whatever. Something else is going down that doesn’t involve me.

CRACK!

Another bullet filleted against the metal. The kart dipped back down and started tilting to the right while it went around a turn. I climbed up, thrust my hooves against the wall and knocked the metal heap back down. The kart landed back on all four wheels while Brave Day bumped the back of it. More like shoved. I looked right at her! She did have killer in her eyes! I ducked back down at the sight of her sawed off shotgun.

BLAM! BLAM!

Enough with the guns already!

The kart tipped to the right. I popped back up, repeating my actions from before. Brave Day’s glider accelerated just enough to put the mare right beside me. She rammed into the metal separating us making the hunk of metal tip to one side. “Son of a bitch!” I popped back out aiming to push the kart back on all fours again. As I did so all of her guns faced me. I bit down on the barrel of the sniper and ripped it out of her levitation field. I dove down into the kart with the sniper while she unloaded every other gun into the wall.

Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.

Rising up out of the kart, I rifle butted Brave Day in the face, hard enough to make me drop the gun, making her slam on the brakes. Her machine nearly came to a stop, but it only halted long enough for her to get her bearings. In that following instant, Brave Day put herself right behind my kart again.

My horn lit up again. I focused my magic on a wood support beam near the end of the track. Brave Day rammed the back of my kart and I popped my head back out. The mare rose up the moment I pulled the support beam down as I passed it. The beam fell down with debris following shortly after. Brave Day’s wings hit the wall in an attempt to avoid being hit, with a metallic screech the wingspan tore itself apart sending her spinning past me right into a pile of empty crates. A large stack of them fell down on top of her. My kart went right past her just before ramming the wall, toppling over allowing me to roll out with the crate.

Ugh.

“Runner!”

I shook my head feeling dazed if yet slightly confused. Silver Shoe’s voice caught my attention again. I looked around before catching sight of a large hole in the ceiling. A metal bin lowered itself down at me until it was firmly planted on the ground. I set the crate down inside shortly before taking cover with it. Silver Shoe looked at Brave Day while she was busy trying to break free from the metal still attached to her body. “Now let’s make like this mares legs and split!” I looked up at her and shook my head. That actually made me chuckle. The metal bin jerked a little, then with several dust clouds forming under it, rose up. While it rose higher and higher I looked over the edge noticing Brave Day starring at us with murder in her eyes. She had a pistol in her levitation field, but she just stared at us.

Silver Shoe shouted to her, “Try it bitch!” I squinted my eyes a bit more before finally spying the scope that had been added to my friend’s rifle. With that scope at this range, Silver Shoe could punch a hole damn good enough to at least put Brave Day in a hospital for the next day or so.

The metal bin stopped at the top of the lift. I jumped out and showed Silver Shoe the contents of the crate I had with me. Her eyes practically sparkled at the sight of all the gems. They still glistened like that of a dragons clean scales. She lit up her horn and took five bags worth of gems. I did the same. “What the hell happened in there? I heard explosions going off around the entrance. Then I get here and see a psycho killer playing hide-and-go-murder with you.” Thank Celestia you showed up when you did.

“Some other ponies were trying to steal the drill Brave Day was using. Let’s just get moving before the slave traders decide to come looking for us instead of whoever’s stealing the drill.” Silver Shoe hummed and we galloped away from the lift. I levitated the cloth covering my mouth back into my bag. The next thing we knew we had found the main road, aiming for our next destination, the carnival.

Fun

Chapter Seven: Fun

Silver Shoe’s humming caught my attention after I had gone over the events in the mine again. I joined in with her until we both noticed a large giant metal snake that stretched around a few fenced in attractions … I think those are called rollercoasters. “We are not riding that thing.”

Silver Shoe’s face said otherwise.

“Come on, live a little!” She hit my back hard while trotting up to the open rusted fence. I looked up and read the sign, Pinkie Pie’s Party Time Fun Land: Biggest Carnival in Equestria! There was a poster of a pink pony with puffy hair, her hoofs spread out wide, welcoming every pony that walked in. I wasn’t going to argue with that, although time had not treated this place well. Most of the stands had rotted away, every prize looked deteriorated to the point they would turn to dust just from touching it, in latent terms it was crap. Silver Shoe pointed a hoof at a sign that read: Pinkie Party Ride! I wonder if the mare that built this place liked to party.

Several animatronics were thrown across the grounds with flies swarming all over there grime covered bodies. Silver Shoe kicked a bottle in front of us and kept doing so until it hit a trash can. A gust of wind blew through making us both shiver. “Hey, hey look at this!” Her horn lit up and telekinetically lifted up three large soda bottles that were lying on top of a counter. She picked up a tennis ball while I leaned against the counter. Silver Shoe held the ball in her hoof, pulled back and let it fly straight into the bottom bottle.

BINK!

The bottles shook, but they stayed standing up. “What. That’s bull shit, I had that!” Silver Shoe stomped her hoof. I chuckled and looked away from Silver Shoe. A sharp pain ran up my fore hoof. I looked down and saw a tennis ball on the ground. “What’s so funny?” I just smiled at her, floating the ball back to her hoof. Silver Shoe pulled back again, she let the thing fly through the air straight at the bottles. It missed.

Her horn lit up, levitating three balls into the air. All three of them flew at the bottles and knocked them all down. One of the bottles hit the counter top, spinning around before finally falling to the ground. I saw something stuffed lying next to it. My horn lit up telekinetically levitating a moldy ruined stuffed animal over to her.  She took it in her hooves and starred at me. She set it back down, “Prizes here suck anyway.” I laughed with her while we moved on.

The next thing we found was a booth that had fish bowls all stacked in a tower. Silver Shoe galloped over to it jumping clean over the counter. She disappeared for a second and popped back up with a set of ping pong balls. “Step right up, step right up, no pony’s a winner here a Silver Shoe’s rigged carnival game!” We both started laughing while I light up my horn. I floated a ball over and starred at the tower of fish bowls. Five tiers to the tower. I tossed the ball at the highest one. It hit the rim of the highest bowl and fell down.

“Argh, almost!” The ball rolled around the rim of another bowl then fell off. It dropped into the third tier and bounced around inside of a bowl. Damn thing bounced back out. “What the hell! I had that!” Silver Shoe started laughing and rolled another ball towards me. The one I had tossed hit the ground. I took the ball, pulled my hoof back and let it fly lightly this time. The thing flew into a bowl and bounced back at me. I ducked down letting it flew right over my head. “What kind of game is this?” Silver Shoe shrugged, she knocked another ball my way. I scooped it up and tossed it again.

BINK!

It hit the fourth tier before rolling around the rim of a third tier bowl.

Come on. Fall in! Fall in!

It finally dropped into a second tier bowl. I threw my hoofs up and cheered. Silver Shoe jumped over the counter, “Winner, winner we have a winner!”

“What do I win?”

Silver Shoe grinned, “A one way ticket to helping me out.”

A one way ticket to helping her out. I don’t like that prize. “Can I get a refund?” She shook her head and pushed me over to the next couple of booths. Nothing really stood out. Most of them had fallen apart over time. I’m actually surprised that some of these games still had some form of prize lying around. A low rumble in the sky caught my attention. It had stopped raining a while back, but this weather was becoming very common to us. We need to find some shelter soon. Well … after we finish up here.

Silver Shoe galloped past me and jumped onto a Merry-Go-Round. She sat down on a bench that wasn’t supposed to be there. I joined her. My eyes went to the machine’s parts, most of them had fallen out of place and were too rusted. Even if we got the power back on it wouldn’t do anything to this thing. I looked back at Silver Shoe, she was staring at the rollercoaster. “Do you think you could get the power going?” She looked at me. I might. I mean I’d have to see what I’m working with here.

“Find me a power supply, circuit breaker or something, I’ll see what I can do.” Silver Shoe got up, lighting her horn in the process. She pulled me with her and we started looking around. There was a large building that caught our attention. It could be that.

We decided to save that for last. If we couldn’t find anything out here then it was obviously going to be in the building somewhere. I just hope there aren’t any turbines I have to worry about. I doubt they’d need something like that for a carnival, but I’m no expert. Silver Shoe and I found a large shed sitting near the rollercoaster, she pulled it open. Circuit breakers were all mounted on the walls, most of them ruined. That wasn’t what caught my attention, nah, what caught my attention was what had been powering the rollercoaster. It was an engine, built for a glider that was converted to be a generator. I galloped over to it, my eyes glued on the parts that went inside. It was in good condition. Just needs … a piston, some cleaning. Ugh, a few spare parts actually.

Silver Shoe sat next to me and kept quiet. I tried to start it up, but it did nothing. Yeah. It’s going to need some work. “We need some spare parts,” I told her while pointing to which parts were jacked up. Silver Shoe got up, I followed her out the door. We stepped outside and I turned my attention to the rollercoaster. From the looks of it that thing could still run. And if that engine is any indication then some pony’s been here before.

“I’ll see what I can find,” Silver Shoe trotted back to the carnival games. I went to the coaster. Several overturned coaster cars had given me some of the parts I needed. Most of them were in crappy condition, but they would do just fine for their purpose.

I moved away from some of the other cars and found Silver Shoe laying on top of one. “I forgot to give these to you.” She levitated two different books over to me. Every Pony’s Guide to being a Mechanic and Equestria: A History in the Making. I looked them over carefully and have to admit they were in great condition. “I know how much you like to read.” Silver Shoe slid off the car before galloping back to the games. I flipped the history book over. Pinkie Pie’s name was mentioned on it. Along with several other mares that I didn’t know about, aside from Princess Twilight. Every pony knew about her.

“Thanks,” I called out to her. Silver Shoe waved a hoof and disappeared into the booths.

Magic engulfed my horn while telekinetically floating up the parts I found. I galloped back to the shed setting them down next to the engine. Now to wait for Silver Shoe. I sat on my haunches and pulled out my Equestria: A History in the Making. I flipped open to the first page and started reading.

“A long, long time ago, in the magical land of Equestria, a young unicorn named Twilight had become the princess of friendship.” Something fell out of the book. A … purple gem. I scooped it up in my hoof carefully examining it. Inside the gem was a still of Princess Twilight talking with a small purple dragon. My horn lit up and I focused on the gem. Holy … I something felt wrong, or weird. Colors swam around my eyes, the entire world felt like it was being ripped away.

*** ***

Where am I? I couldn’t blink. I couldn’t … I couldn’t move. I blinked? I was staring at a mirror. In the mirror was Princess Twilight Sparkle. She blinked or … I blinked. I was her? No … I’m just seeing things through her eyes. That was a memory jewel.

I turn faced the balcony. It felt weird seeing things like this. Just sitting here in someone else’s mind, watching events go by. Twilight just stared out at the fields past Canterlot. The sound of someone’s pit-patting steps caught her attention. She turned around and the entire building began to shake. Twilight’s hoof reached out taking hold of the railing while Equestria itself felt like it was falling apart. “Spike, where are you?” A purple dragon came stumbling out from the room and grabbed one of Twilight’s wings.

“Twilight, what’s going on?” My host looked down at Canterlot and she saw what I saw. Buildings shaking apart, ponies scrambling for safety. The next thing I knew I was standing next to Twilight Sparkle. What the hell? The shaking didn’t affect me at all. I was just viewing this after all.

Twilight lit up her horn, elegant and regal like, forming a pink bubble around the entire castle. The shaking was noticeably less violent inside the shield. She galloped into her room pulling out books from her bookcase. “I don’t know, but whatever’s going on is happening at the Empire.” I looked out at the Crystal Empire’s direction. Even from here both Spike and I could see something going on. Shit was going down and we didn’t know what was causing it.

KA-BOOM!

Something that looked like a blue magic pulse hit the mountain shaking everything in Canterlot with its violent surge of power. The pulse kept going, shaking everything in its wake before disappearing from view. Spike ran into the room, “Twilight! Are you okay?” I looked back at Twilight. Surrounding her entire body was a veil of blue magic. It pulsed for a second then burst apart dropping the Alicorn to the ground. She picked up her head placing a hoof against her forehead.

“Yeah,” she stood up, “I’m fine. Pack your claw cleaning tools. We’re leaving now.” Spike pulled out a small suitcase and shoved his cleaning tools inside it. There was a small urge to chuckle at how small those tools were, but I managed to suppress it. I looked back at the Empire noticing dark clouds hovering in its direction. Shit. What the hell just happened? My body started feeling weird. The entire world pulled me in one direction. Colors swam around my head and the entire world felt ripped away.

*** ***

AGH!

Ugh …

I blinked. Slowly turning my head I could see the glider engine. I tilted my head with a smile, it was a V8. Nice. I turned my attention back to the history book and my eyes moved like a type writer. I wanted to find out what caused that earthquake. Nothing. This book ended right there, the day the quake happened. Damn, the chance of finding another memory jewel that happened after those events wasn’t very likely. I kicked the jewel into the corner. The door creaked.

I jumped.

Silver Shoe trotted in with a few cans of food accompanied with a full bottle of Apple Whiskey. I looked back at the engine spying the horde of parts that had been left in what I assumed was an unconscious state. Holy. My eyes had to be joshing me. There were dozens of spare parts to choose from, even the pistons were … well they were still crap, but everything looked good enough to use. “I found those, some food. Let’s eat dinner!” Silver Shoe opened a can of still somehow good watermelon, her hoof slid it over to me. She had a can of … something. No idea what it was, but she ate it anyway. “Not bad.” I just ate the canned watermelon not paying her any mind. “Who knew this shit would still be good.” I hummed.

Once we finished I looked back at the engine-turned-generator with my horn fully aglow. I looked at the mechanic manual and found a transparence spell. The unicorn using it can see through solid objects. Well that certainly has its uses. Mastery of this spell would let a pony see mechanical problems without needing to take everything apart. I turned my full attention to the engine. I looked back at the book. Then back at the engine. Alright … just focus. This spell isn’t too hard to master, it’s used by other mechanics or at least that’s what the manual tells me. The engine slowly became transparent. I could see two cracked pistons and some sludge.

It wasn’t in bad shape aside from those details. Plus with my knowledge of engines I could … maybe get that power output up by about twenty percent. It’d take a skilled mechanic to get the horse power higher than what it would be after I finished and while I might know some things about engines, I don’t know everything about them. “Alright, it’s going to be a while before I get this thing going.” I’ve got to rip it apart. Clean it. Rebuilt it. This is going to be fun!

Silver Shoe yawned and curled up in a corner. “Good, I need some shut eye. You have fun over there.” She closed her eyes, leaning her head against her saddle bags.

It took me about two hours and thirty seven minutes to fix the minor problems with the engine. Silver Shoe had stayed asleep the entire time. While I continued my work on the engine I used the mechanic spell enough that I felt like a true master of it. Sadly, my Mustang wasn’t with me and I couldn’t put this engine in it. Then again it would take a few skilled mechanics to convert this S.O.B back to an engine and not a makeshift generator.

I wrapped my hoof around the cord and pulled it.

Blurrrrp. Blurrp Buuuur.

I pulled it again.

P-pat-pat-pat!

“Is it working?” Silver Shoe pushed herself up, trotting excitedly over to me. I looked at her with a smile then back at the engine. Does it sound like it isn’t working? I made this shit work again! YEAH!

I galloped over to the door and pushed it open. Lights flickered around the rollercoaster for a moment until they all lit up. The coaster was just sitting in place, probably because we didn’t hit the ‘go’ button on the control panel. Silver Shoe pushed past me and starred at it. She didn’t say anything. There wasn’t even a smile on her face. “You okay,” I nudged her a little.

She nodded but remained speechless. I took a few steps out while she galloped past me. “I’ve never been better!” With my horn aglow I brought our saddle bags with us. After this we needed to head out. Silver Shoe ran up a set of stairs and climbed into the middle of the coaster. “Come on, let’s go for a ride!” I hit the start button on the coaster shaking my head in protest. I’m good. Silver Shoe’s horn lit up. Magenta colored magic wrapped around my body while it picked me up off the ground bringing me over to the coaster. She strapped me in before I could get out. “Let’s go!”

PSH-SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

The coaster lurched forward and I looked back at the control panel. “Silver Shoe, come on let me out!” She shook her head in defiance while she kept me from jumping out. As the coaster pulled out of the station we started going up higher and higher, and higher, and the higher we went the louder the ticking under us got. Silver Shoe threw her hooves up in the air cheering at the top of her lungs.

Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.

Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.

Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.

CRACK!

OH SHIT! The coaster spiraled down and flung me to the side. Silver Shoe cheered, laughing while it went over a hump. We were thrown up a little just before the thing went upside down. GET ME OFF OF THIS THING! Silver Shoe grabbed one of my fore hoofs and tried to throw it up with hers. “Come on! This is fun!” My hoof ripped away from her, trying to coil around something to keep me stationed. I wrapped my hooves around the safety harness while we went upside down again. AND THEN AGAIN!

“I can’t believe you wanted to try this!”

“I can’t believe you didn’t want to try this!”

Silver Shoe yelled out at the top of her lungs, keeping her hooves thrown up through the next spiral. The coaster rattled around and I swear I heard part of the track break off after we went over it. The thing twisted around into another spiral and threw me into Silver Shoe. The thing threw us in the other direction and started going up again.

Please, please Celestia get me off of this crazy coaster!

The coaster dropped down throwing us in another direction before pulling back into the station.

PSSSS-SHUSSSSSSSSSSH!

The safety harness popped up and I scrambled out. My legs wobbled while a trashcan floated over to me. Ugh. No more. Please. No more. My throat started warming up. I looked down at the trash can and felt ready to hurl everything I had eaten. Gritting my teeth together I suppressed the urge the best I could and swallowed hard before taking a few deep breathes. “Never again.” Silver Shoe smiled and put her hoof around me.

“Not even for me?” I shook my head defiantly. She started laughing and punched me in the shoulder. I sunk to the floor trying to forget about the coaster ride. Silver Shoe looked at the control panel and was thinking about doing something.

“Who the hell turned on the Celestia damned coaster!”

We both froze. I looked at Silver Shoe and we knew we were both thinking the same thing. We weren’t alone here. Whoever it was shouting was pissed. I crouched near the control panel while Silver Shoe ducked down next to it. Our eyes darted around, but we didn’t see any pony moving towards us. Silver Shoe scrambled into the coaster and jumped down from the car. I followed her hearing the grass under us crunch loudly.

“You hear that,” a pony was right above us on the platform. Someone was with that pony. There were several hoof steps above us. The wood creaked and the steps grew louder.

Something clamped down on my mane and brought me under the platform. Silver Shoe tossed her blanket over us with her horn fully lit. Just as the spell, I’m assuming started to work, went off two ponies dropped down and took a look around. Old face paint covered most of their muzzles while some armor platted shirts, more than likely made by them, covered the rest of their body. Clown ponies. Only time I saw clown ponies was when … no … he couldn’t be here. I held my breath. If they heard us … we’re dead.

The two clown ponies looked right at us and kept moving. Silver Shoe grabbed a bottle and lit up her horn. It floated off somewhere shattering loudly against something near the carnival games. The two ponies galloped over to the sound. We burst out from cover and ran. This wasn’t the time to fight, we just ran. We headed for the building we saw earlier. Silver Shove shoved her blanket back inside of her saddle bags only once looking over her shoulder. We weren’t being followed, but we still needed to hide.

*** ***

I hit my head against a desk while Silver Shoe’s hooves clip-clopped against the ground. She was mumbling about something, but I wasn’t listening. We were stuck near the Hall of Mirrors and from the looks of it we weren’t going to be able to get outside the carnival grounds. Infected had been drawn to the area. Not many of them, but enough so that we were going to let the clown ponies deal with it. Now we were stuck inside of some building five stories tall. We were sitting in a room on the fifth floor.

Silver Shoe started opening up drawers, lockers, anything that might have something inside of it. My head started to hurt so I stopped bumping it against the desk, I stood up. “What are you doing?” She pulled another drawer open and tossed it on top of a box. That said box was then ripped open.

“Looking for some sort of layout of this place,” she pulled open another locker. “We find that and we can find the closest exit out of here.” Good point. I started looking around as well. Silver Shoe lifted up the desk matt and found some blue prints of the building we were in. The best exit we could take was literally right below us. We scrambled over to the window but the fence closest to us was blocked by some garbage. “We can use the hall of mirrors. There should be an emergency exit that we can use to get around the garbage.” I nodded in agreement.

I looked around for the clown ponies. Nothing. My hoof tapped against the windowsill. I needed to tell her about what Sheriff told me. Now might be as good a time as any. I swallowed. “Silver Shoe … we need to talk about something.” She spun around heading right out the door. I followed her out onto a catwalk that rattled under our hoof steps. Machines lay underneath us on the fourth floor. There was a large hole through the floor as well.

“Talk to me,” Silver Shoe looked over the edge. We listened for any infected or clown ponies.

With any luck they’ll have taken each other out and we can move on with our lives. I tapped the edge of the catwalk and looked at Silver Shoe. “What are you going to do if we find your sister and she doesn’t turn out to be what you expect?” She froze and starred down at the machinery. Silver Shoe opened her mouth then closed it. She turned away from the railing keeping her hoof steps aimed at the stairwell.

I cleared my throat. “Don’t worry about.” She didn’t look back.

Don’t worry about. That’s it? I trotted over to her and cut her off. She looked up at me and her smile was replaced with a look that told me to back off. The one she only gave when someone was talking about something she didn’t want to be a part of. “Don’t worry about it?” I paused and reminded myself that we needed to keep it down. “Silver Shoe … you remember when we split up with Deputy and Sheriff?” She nodded. “You know what Sheriff told me? He said that the pegasus and griffon were trying to find in Remington stole a lot of supplies from them.” Silver Shoe starred at me and walked around me. Are you kidding me? Sometimes you can be so headstrong.

I cut her off again. “What of it!” Silver Shoe put her hoof against me, shoving my back a little. Just from that push I could tell she was tense. That wasn’t helping me out much. I started to tense up as well. “Look, if my sister turns out to be some murderer then I’ll become one to. You can either come with me now or we can part ways.” Silver Shoe’s horn flared up. So did mine.

“Silver Shoe, I’ve gone along with your lead since we left. Hell I’ve even gone along with your lead since we were in District Twelve, but not anymore.” I stopped my hoof against the catwalk. It rattled. Silver Shoe’s horn kept flaring up. So did mine. “If your sister turns out to be a pony we shouldn’t be around then we walk. Find some other place to live. Do you understand me?” I stomped my hoof down again until she got the message.

“You can do whatever you want.” Silver Shoe started walking to the stairs again. I trotted behind her and cut her off again. This time I pushed her back. “I’m going to find Showering Stones in Remington. If you want to go do something else, then go. Some friend you are if you do though.”

I’ve done everything you wanted me to do. I’ve been shot at, I’ve been nearly blasted apart by spore bombs that look like pumpkins and you’re telling me I’m not a good friend! “So what’s your plan then? Go down there guns blazing and get your throat slit by some psycho clowns?” Silver Shoe wanted to levitate up her gun, I could see it in her eyes. She didn’t though. Neither did I. We won’t ever turn a gun on each other, but at this rate I think that might change.

Silver Shoe slammed both of her hooves down. “We’ve been surviving because of me!” I heard other voices from the third floor. My horn lit up sliding me into my transparency spell, I made part of the floor transparent, but only enough to catch a glimpse of the ponies looking for us. Those clown ponies were still looking for us! Crap. We need to move before they get here. “You are treading on some very thin ice, Runner.” She pulled out her blanket. Maybe she had a plan after all.

They could hear us. This isn’t good. Silver Shoe kept on talking. I finally opened my mouth again, “Surviving doesn’t mean stealing things from good ponies like your sister!” Silver Shoe slammed her hooves down. The catwalk rattled even louder.

“HOW WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT MY SISTER IS LIKE? YOU HAVEN’T EVEN FUCKING MET HER!”

Our horns lit up at the same time and we levitated one another into the air. We wanted to punch the other and at this point those murderers knew we were here. “Let me go.”

“You first.”

We dropped each other down hard. Our bodies hit the catwalk and it gave with a loud metal screech. The walkway swung out and hit a machine making us both slide off of it. Silver Shoe fired off a spell that hit something sending it right back at her. It hit her blanket. I hit the cement floor with just enough time to see Silver Shoe fall through the hole.

Scrap metal from the remaining catwalk above me broke apart and slammed down on top of me. I started coughing and crawled over to the hole. My eyes were watering. Silver Shoe, please be alive. I looked down into the hole and saw scrap metal all around. Silver Shoe wasn’t anywhere to be seen. My heart stopped beating.

Silver Shoe. Please. Just tell me what to do. Please.

Silver Shoe …

Twisted

Chapter Eight: Twisted

I quietly shut the door to the main building behind me. My hooves stayed pressed against it, my eyes looked at the blood soaking my coat. I didn’t feel anything. I just … I … can’t feel anything. Silver Shoe … you … I miss you. My body felt cold. Not from the weather, not from what I had just done, but from the realization that my best friend wasn’t here anymore. Everything started to get watery and blurred together.

I blinked and water ran down the side of muzzle. My hoof finally moved from the door and I brushed the tears away. More kept coming. I took a step away from the door feeling the rain slowly coming down on me. The first thing I did was put my hooves in a puddle to wash the blood off. Nothing was in my head. Not the ponies and infected lying dead in that building and not Silver Shoe. Not even getting out. I just got up and walked.

The door to the hall of mirrors fell down and I walked in. First thing I saw in the mirror was myself, I stared back at myself and couldn’t believe what I was looking at. I couldn’t even recognize myself. Maybe it was because even when I didn’t have anything going on in my head I still had something troubling me. That makes sense right? Honestly I’m not even thinking straight anymore. My reflection started moving its mouth, “You look like a sorry sack of shit.” Oh, great now I’m going crazy.

“Yeah … well you know shit happens.” I was actually talking back. I brought my hoof to my face.

My reflection shook its head disappointed, “You know what the sad part about this is. You’re all alone.” The reflection was actually right. I was alone. My hoof felt around for something, anything. It wrapped around a shard of glass. I smashed it into the mirror making it burst into hundreds of pieces.

I turned away and bumped into a stack of crates making them tumble over. My hooves carried me around them and I walked down a large set of stairs. Each clip clop from my hooves made me cringe. Shut up. Just. Shut up! I want silence.

That’s exactly what I got. I landed on top of dirt that drown out the sound from my clip clopping hooves. My eyes wandered around while I went deeper into the room. I could see mirrors all around me sticking out in different directions. Several animatronics were sitting around decaying from over two hundred years of aging. That was freaking me out. Actually. This whole damn place was freaking me out. I could see a stair case and exit to my left, but I figured I might as well scavenge for some supplies. My eyes went to the gun I had taken from that clown pony. It was a semi-automatic pistol. I had four decent weapons now. A shotgun, pistol, semi-automatic, and a rifle. Not a bad way to go into a gunfight.

I reached the end of the room and walked up a set of stairs. By the time I got to the top of them I had completely forgotten why I had come up here. Oh … right, to scavenge for stuff. I turned around and saw piles of junk lying around the room. This wasn’t a hall of mirrors anymore. Just a pile of crap and darkness. This entire carnival was a pile of crap. My hoof held up a cloth serving as a door to the next room; I went in. There were several lit candles inside with flames that danced around while I let the cloth fall back into place.

I tried to light up my horn, but gave up on the effort. “I just want to go home.” I could feel my eyes burning from all the tears. I blinked a few times, pulling open several drawers. Great, several pistol ammo boxes. I scooped them into my bags and kept walking. The wall had something written on it. “The Cure,” was written on a piece of paper and stapled to the wall. Colored string ran from the title to several ponies. After looking at a few different colors I eventually came to the same conclusion, any pony that had been immune to whatever this cure was supposed to be for, had died out a long time ago. Actually it might have just been a few years ago at best.

The next drawer I opened held several tape recorders in it. Memory jewels are way better. I think I’m actually feeling a lot more negative than I have been. Silver Shoe would probably say to me, I made my voice high pitched, “You’re so negative, Runner.” I started coughing. I can’t do a Silver Shoe impression. Alright enough silence. I hit the play button on the recorder that was labeled as the first one.

“The assistant was right. The mare’s immunity to the infectious bite is uncertain, but we’re running several tests on her now. It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”

That was it? Geez, I thought these things were supposed to be … I looked down at some papers. Most of it was science information I couldn’t even begin to wrap my head around. I hit the play button on the second recording. My eyes went back to the paper titled Cordyceps Brain Infection.

“The fungus grows all over the brain while disabling all of their important motor functions, and with it, the hosts humanity. The host remains alive up until stage two of its metamorphosis. Stage one begins with the bite, after several days the host’s visual cortex becomes impaired and eventually corrupted. The second stage begins roughly a week after the initial bite, the host begins acting feral and out of control. Eventually they lose themselves and become what appears to be a plant. So far we have no scientific name for these creatures, they are only known as infected.”

I pulled up a few more drawers and found jack shit. Now that recording was interesting. Not really sure I’ll be needing the information, but at least it has entertainment value while I search for things. I hit play on the next one.

“Stage three and four are the fastest stages of an infected growth. In stage three the infected learns how to use sound to navigate to find any and all prey around it. After this it enters stage four. In the final stage its fungus hardens like armor plating and becomes almost impossible to injure. Most bullet types simply aren’t enough to handle it. The only type known to hurt it are armor piercing bullets.”

That actually explains a lot! No wonder why we couldn’t hurt the bloater. I wouldn’t call its fungus armor plating though, it still looked squishy like that one infected’s face. Ugh. It does not feel right touching those things. I looked back at the wall and saw something else interesting. Another colored string attached from “The Cure” and ended at something called “The Alicorn Sphere.” What the heck is an Alicorn Sphere? I ignored it and looked back at the diagrams of dead infected. They were releasing spores from their bodies. I pressed play on another recorder.

“Test subject 239, an earth pony, is showing signs of magical capabilities after being exposed to the Alicorn Sphere at seventy five percent completion. The pony has shown that he is capable of telekinesis, this was demonstrated by levitating an object the size of a quill. We will expose subject 239 to the Alicorn Sphere after it reaches eighty percent completion. Capabilities of flight have yet to be discovered.”

Alicorn magic is serious business. You should stay away from it. I mean that kind of magical ability should only be for a princess. They truly understand it. Princess Twilight would understand. There was another recorder. I rolled my eyes and played it.

“The Alicorn Sphere has reached ninety percent completion. The only problem is that the radiation itself cannot give a pony the capabilities an Alicorn has. It can only give them either magic or flying capabilities for an undetermined amount of time. In order for these ponies to truly become an Alicorn it must be one hundred percent complete. Once the device is complete and used, it will bestow the user with abilities that even Princess Celestia would be impressed by.”

Ugh. This stuff is sounding too crazy for my head. I’ll stand by my statement from earlier. Leave that kind of magic to the Princesses. I opened a small fridge and found an apple. My stomach grumbled. I just had watermelon, but after what happened in that building I hurled it all up. My horn lit up and brought the apple with me. I took a bite out of it taking interest at something on a makeshift bed. It was a medical kit. Inside it was a bandage rag made by none other than Fluttershy. Score. I put it inside of my saddle bags. My horn started glowing even brighter and everything I had moved or touched went back into its place.

Is stealing a pony’s apple and going through their stuff really the best idea? Silver Shoe has rubbed off on me. A lot. Silver Shoe … My eyes started watering again. I rubbed them and blew out the candles. Just as I started to walk out of the room I noticed something on the ground. The comic floated up, to my delight it was Swordmares issue four. I put it in my saddle bags.

I trotted down the metal stairs and landed back on the dirt. My eyes wandered around the room while I moved to the exit. Celestia, make those animatronic stop looking at me! Their eyes were following me around the room, I could feel them just staring at me! Ugh. KNOCK IT OFF! I rolled my eyes and passed one of the tilted mirrors.

CRA-CLFINK!

The glass exploded next to me making me dive to the ground shielding my eyes from the shards flying all around my face. I slid across the dirt and hid behind a mirror. My hoof went to my chest and I felt my heart beating harder than it ever had before. Those two clown ponies were dead. I … they … died in that building along with Silver … I’m the only pony left in here! “Come on out, I know you’re in here. Let’s have ourselves a little talk.” That voice was gruff and … no. It’s not him. Just keep saying that to yourself.

Peering around the mirror my eyes darted around the room. No pony was visible. I leaned back against the mirror and took in a deep breath. One. Two. Three. I looked around the mirror again. No pony was in here. It was dead silent now.

I looked at the stairway leading to the exit and hit my head against the mirror. I had to cross the entire room to reach the damn staircase that would get me up to the exit door. My breathing rate became fast pants. I looked out again. No pony was visible yet. My horn lit up. Everything in front of me became transparent. No pony was here at all. My horn stopped glowing letting the spell ware off. I got up galloping as fast as I could to the stair case.

The animatronic next to me exploded!

I slid across the dirt diving behind another mirror. The top of it shattered and fell down next to me. Shit. Whoever it was could hit their mark very well. I ran around a pile of junk and went for the open door near the overturned crate pile.

WHACK!

I hit the ground and rolled in front of a mirror. My hooves went up to my muzzle while I cringed. AGH! What the hell was that? I looked around and saw nothing. My head started spinning. A figure appeared in the mirror in front of me, its boots squeaked on top of an animatronic head while the pony crushed it. The pony looked like it was three different stallions until my head stopped spinning. When it did my heart started to pick up its rate. I could hear its “pa-pumping” sound the faster it got.

I’m pretty sure I’m going to die here. My eyes didn’t deceive me. The pony approaching me had a flaming red and orange mane. His mask had a large creepy smile on it that I knew had just set its sight on me. Something went into the ground, it looked like a chainsaw. Set next to it was a machete. My eyes went to the shotgun floating in the stallion’s levitation field.

Sour Tooth.

RUN. DAMN IT. RUN!

My hooves wouldn’t listen to me. Sour Tooth’s boot pressed down against my neck pinning me down. I started to cough. “So you’re the little runt that’s been running around my carnival killing my hired guns.” Oh, shit. I am going to die here. This guy is going to use that machete and … or he’s going to … I could think of dozens of ways this was going to end, but none of them ended in me getting away. I am going to die here.

I pushed myself up aiming to run away. The boot shoved itself deeper into my neck and kept me planted on the ground. “Sit still and listen good,” his voice boomed across the room. I started to shake. Sour Tooth started to study me. His eyes behind the mask squinted and I could tell that behind that mask he was smiling at me with an even creepier smile than that mask had. “I’ve seen you before, haven’t I?” Oh crap! He remembers me! Wait. He saw me? “You were at my house the other day with a mare.” He started looking around. His boot lightened up its hold on my neck. “Where’s that mare you were with?”

My eyes started to water again. I … She … I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to bottle up what happened, put it in a chest, burry that chest and build a house on top of where I buried that chest. His boot pushed down on my neck making me cough again. “Answer the damn question!”

“She’s dead because of me,” it was my fault. I should have just listened to Silver Shoe and gotten out of here. Even if I didn’t like where we might be going into I could have at least had a friend. Now I’m alone without any friends and I feel like I’m becoming crazier just being next to this psychopath!

Sour Tooth leaned closer to the mirror and put more of his weight on my neck. I coughed. His eyes were staring at mine. Closely, like he was studying me. “Which one of you went on a rampage inside the building over there?” His head nudge towards the building I had come out of. I told him it was me. My heart was ready to explode. At this point I’m surprised it hadn’t just blown out of my chest trying to escape from here. “You? That’s a good one kid.”

“It's cause of you and your men,” if you hadn’t been here we would have left after the coaster ride and Silver Shoe would still be here!

Sour Tooth brought his hoof down on my stomach. I coughed and tried to roll away. His boot went back to my neck keeping me in place. “I didn’t do shit to you. I certainly didn’t kill your friend either. Neither did you, I don’t see killer in your eyes.” He would know. My horn lit up and my semi-automatic lifted up out of my saddle bags. Sour Tooth fired a spell at it knocking the weapon across the room until it clattered against a trashcan. Screw you! “I know your type. You got caught up in a fit of rage and took it out on the only ponies around. Well I’ve got news for you, that doesn’t make you a murderer. So put your conscious at ease.” That … actually made me feel better. But, Silver Shoe. That was my fault. And you don’t know shit about me. “You probably would have put a bullet through your own head if they hadn’t been here.”

I … Silver Shoe where are you when I need you? Sour Tooth’s horn lit up levitating his machete over to him along with a sharpening stone. His magic dragged the sharpening stone along the blade making sparks fly from it. “If you’re really a killer then prove it.” His boot moved away from my neck. My semi-automatic floated back over to us and the barrel pointed right at his forehead. Between his eyes. I bit down on the gun sliding my tongue on the trigger. “Pull the trigger.” I will. I’ll do it. Just pull the trigger. I can’t do it. My body started to shake. “Like I said, I don’t see killer in your eyes.” His boot swung at me kicking the semi-automatic across the room. “Even when you have nothing to lose you can’t pull the trigger. You want to know why I’ve survived this long. It’s because I know what I’m fighting for, if I die now at least I know what I was fighting ever day of my life for.”

I couldn’t pull the trigger. I could have lived! This is it. Sour Tooth engulfed me in his magic bringing me back on my hooves. “I want revenge for what happened to my men and I’m sure you want to get back at me for being here while you and your friend where having fun.” That hurt. We were having fun and it was ruined. “I’m going to give you a chance to leave. You have to kill me.” My horn lit up and my pistol floated up. If he’s giving me a chance then I might as well go for it. Even if I die I can at least go down fighting. Probably going to go down fighting, this stallions probably got dozens of spells in his arsenal. I’ve got only a few.

I’ll need all the weapons I can get my hooves on. My semi-automatic floated back over to me hovering next to my head. Sour Tooth levitate his machete and shotgun up. The shotgun cracked open and he slid two new shells into it, then cracked it shut. All of my guns levitated up. Here we go. Sour Tooth’s horn lit up brightly forcing all of the mirrors up straight, they turned and faced us. They faced Sour Tooth actually, his reflection appearing in all of them. I looked around and shook my head not understanding his stunt. That only works if a pony doesn’t know where you’re at … where’d he go … son of bitch used an illusion spell!

I proceeded further with caution. My eyes carefully went from mirror to mirror searching for the real Sour Tooth. “Watch your back,” one of the reflections across from me spoke up. The mirror to my left exploded into a shower of glass only giving me a narrow moment to sprawl down. Glass splattered down on top of me while the blade from Sour Tooth’s machete flew out of control and cracked a mirror. My hoof shielded my eyes long enough for the stupid machete to hide again. I noticed the chainsaw was still stuck in the ground. Trying to stay light on my hooves I pushed myself up firing two rounds from my revolver into the cracked mirror making it shatter.

At a time like this I wish I had a bag filled with grenades. Take this son of bitch with me. My eyes darted from mirror to mirror again. They all look the freaking same! I fired another revolver round at another mirror. Glass shattered everywhere. Another mirror exploded and the machete thrust itself at me. I ducked down, but not quick enough. The blade grazed the back of my neck. I couldn’t feel any blood yet. I unloaded my two shotgun rounds into another mirror. One of the mirrors moved forward, as if it was on a track, ramming the gun from my levitation field.

Two more mirrors next to me exploded. I rolled to the side listening to the sound of Sour Tooth’s creepy laugh echo around the entire room. Ugh. If I survive this that laugh is going to haunt me. I unloaded every gun I still had in my levitation field at a different mirror. Each one of them shattered into hundreds of pieces. The machete blade sliced one of my back hooves. I dropped down hearing a burning sting cry out at me. All of my guns reloaded and I stood back up. The gash on my leg cried out again, but I did my best to ignore it. I promise myself if I make it out of here I’m going to bandage myself up and find Showering Stones. I owe myself and Silver Shoe that much.

I took a deep breath. I’ve got to live through this.

My eyes went back to the chainsaw. I groaned. He got to it. Sour Tooth took the damn- The ground under me exploded, jagged teeth tearing towards me while I frantically kicked myself away! Loud buzzing sounds were the least of what was scaring me. The freaking chainsaw had been shoved through the ground! The thing was pulled back down leaving a large hole. I look down into it and could make out a network of tunnels built under the room. Ugh. He’s got the home advantage fighting here.

I stood back up and galloped around a pile of junk away from all the mirrors. My heart was racing and I was getting my ass kicked little by little. I looked at my leg immediately spying blood running from the cut it had received. The back of my neck felt fine if only a bit sore. I pulled out my bandage rag and ripped part of it off. I tied it around my leg before carefully peering around the junk. The mirrors still had Sour Tooth’s reflection in it. The floor exploded again!

I rolled and the first thing I saw was that Celestia damned chainsaw being thrust up through the ground. My heart continued to race yelling at me to do something about this guy. The chainsaw went back into the ground leaving a hole behind, across from it I saw where Sour Tooth had disappeared to. A square hole inside of the ground. I galloped over to it and looked down. I was right. There were tunnels branching underneath the room and lots of them. I managed to catch a glimpse of Sour Tooth’s flaming mane, but he disappeared around a corner. “Yeah, I’m not going down there!” I stood back up and looked at the stairway. The hell am I doing? I bolted for the stairs.

The chainsaw burst out from the ground right in front of me. I stopped in my tracks taking three heart stopping hoof steps back. Sour Tooth’s incredibly creepy laugh echoed around again. I galloped around the chainsaw and

WHACK!

All of my guns clattered to the ground, I brought my hoof to my face. I forgot about the machete! My cheek felt like it was about to swell up from that hit. The butt of the machete hurt almost as bad as the freaking blade. Catching sight of its shining blade, I got ready to move. It swung around at me and I rolled away from it. I rolled over my pistol and picked it up in my mouth. The trigger couldn’t have been pulled fast enough. The machete got shot out of air, giving a satisfying clatter against the ground. My horn lit up while I focused on the ground. It wouldn’t become transparent! Ugh. I rolled ditching my spell. The chainsaw burst through the floor where I had been. This guy was using my transparency spell … and he was better at using it! I have no edge on this freaking psycho clown!

I kept rolling. A boot was shoved into my stomach just before it shoved me right into a mirror. The glass shattered and something sharp struck me. I looked at my side catching the sight of a shard of glass sticking out of my stomach. I bit down on it and pulled it out with a huge sharp burning sting. I tried to get up, but that same boot slammed down on my neck and force me back down. “The only murderer here is me you foal.” His voice was literally right on top of my ear. Shit. I looked up at his machete floating above my eyes. “You should have stayed far away from this place. As far as I’m concerned the only stallion that should have the balls to come here is,”

KA-BOOM!

The wall behind us exploded collapsing down on top of several grey crystal that I knew hadn’t been there before. Sour Tooth shut his mouth and from the look in his eyes I could tell the face behind the mask was smiling. His boot lifted up from my neck while his machete impaled itself into the ground an inch away from my muzzle. “You ever read about tyrant that ruled over the Empire?” I nodded. Wait. The Crystal Heart was supposed to have killed him. Well … can the Elements of Harmony and Crystal Heart actually kill ponies? I looked up at the wall and swallowed. I have no idea what I just walked into, but I have a feeling it’s about to end real fast. My eyes went to the stallion standing on crystals. The smoke cleared and I felt my heart sank so low that I could have sworn for a second I had lost it.

King Sombra.

Carnival Smack Down

Chapter Nine: Carnival Smack Down

No. That can’t be king Sombra.

But there he was. Red cape and all. Dark magic lighting up his horn with a real sense that told me he was out to fulfill an agenda. I looked back at Sour Tooth and saw his real smile, not the mask smile, at the corner of his mask. He was looking forward to this. I mean he was ready for a fight and wasn’t going to let Sombra leave without one of them kicking the crap out of the other. “You’ve got some nerve showing up here and interrupting my next meal, Sombra.” He growled sparking his horn. I swallowed and took in slow deep breathes. The weight of everything going on right now was passing over my head. I couldn’t tell you why these two were about to fight, but I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty.

Sombra couldn’t have care less. The look on his face made that clear. “I am here for a much bigger meal.” He licked his lips.

Meal? Like food? Why does that ring a bell? Something in the history book … what was it? My mind started racing. I couldn’t remember what it was, but it involved Princess Twilight. I kept my eyes on Sombra while he opened his mouth. Ugh … my … my magic. I looked up at my horn and saw every trace of my magic leaving body from the tip. My very essence. All of it started going into Sombra’s mouth like it was food. “You might want to scram foal, things are about to get messy,” Sour Tooth warned. Magic continued flowing out from me in patterned colors.

Sour Tooth cracked his shotgun shut and fired two rounds at the former Crystal Empire tyrant. The crystal he was on exploded, shattering to the ground.

My magic felt just fine now. I was a little weak from it, but I’d live.

King Sombra landed in front of a junk pile just as Sour Tooth fired a red beam from his horn. A protection spell formed around the former king, shattering under the pressure from the beam. King Sombra’s horn lit up sending beam right back at him. I dove away from Sour Tooth and looked back at him just in time to see the clown pony open his mouth and eat the magic. “You’re not the only one that can steal magic.” I was right! This was Lord Tirek’s spell! Although now that I think about that I wish I wasn’t right!

Sour Tooth’s telekinesis slowly lifted up every single weapon in his arsenal. Oh, shit. He wasn’t screwing around anymore. Wait. He had just been hunting me for sport! That actually isn’t all that surprising. My eyes went to the staircase. This isn’t my fight and I don’t want it to be. I galloped away, scooping up my pistol and rifle with what little magic was left.

King Sombra and Sour Tooth charged each other. A red beam exploded from Sombra’s horn while several animatronics levitated up to defend Sour Tooth. The clown pony dove behind one of them while another animatronic was vaporized to ash. Each animatronic was vaporized one after another until Sour Tooth was within a foot of Sombra. Giving one mighty push against the ground Sour Tooth lunged himself at Sombra and locked horns with him. “You will be my next slave!”

“Just try me you crystal eating freak!”

Their horns flared and both ponies bucked the other way. Sombra fired a beam that engulfed everything in its path just before destroying part of the wall he had blown partially apart. Sour Tooth was gone.

My head snapped back to the staircase just before I ran up the first few steps. I tried lighting up my horn, but it wouldn’t heed. Sombra looked at me and charged for the stairs. The ground underneath the tyrant rose up, metal teeth eating towards his stomach, every bit of dirt under him slowly drifted into the tunnels below. A crystal ejected out from under Sombra’s hooves sending him over the death trap like some sort of crazy ride. Sombra landed against the dirt, sliding across to the other side of the room. His eyes were frantically looking around for Sour Tooth. The moment he came to a halt the machete blade came crashing down towards him.

Sombra dove out of the way, growling at the cloth being ripped from his body like a cat dragging its claws down elegant drapes.

Bringing up his hooves, King Sombra slammed them against the ground. Crystal rose up from every tunnel entrance, not to mention every tunnel in general, sending a large pony figure high into the air before it came to a thudding crash against an animatronic.

SHIT!

I kept climbing the stairs until something in me demanded I stop. Ugh, what to do. My eyes darted between the exit and the fight. Without a second thought I reached over to my rifle.

I leaned it against the railing carefully aiming the barrel right at Sombra.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

I pulled the trigger. A loud mighty bombastic crack escaped my weapon sending a bullet right through the remaining part of Sombra’s cape. His eyes slowly feel on me with narrowed pupils. Nudging his head with a light jerk he turned his complete attention away from me.

Panels hanging on the wall behind me collapsed down as a crystal shoved itself from seemingly out of nowhere sending me right off the edge. My hooves grasped onto the crystal along with a pole hanging out from the torn walkway.

Okay, I’m afraid of dangling from crystals now!

I tried looking back at the fight, only feeling a pain in my skull right to my eyes, trying to glimpse what I could through my peripheral vision.

Sour Tooth ran behind a few mirrors with his horn fully aglow. His spell immediately started filling the mirrors with his image. Sombra didn’t let that continue. Spells erupted from the tip of his horn slamming into everything in their way before shattering each mirror one by one into nothing but glass shards.

BLAM! BLAM!

King Sombra yelled out in pain. The armor on his body was strong, but a stealth attack with a shotgun at almost point blank range was more than even his armor could protect. Sour Tooth gripped his machete with his teeth and charged towards Sombra. He dove at him swinging the machete right for his neck.

With a jerk of his head Sombra called a large crystal out of the ground just in time catch the blade. Cracks spider webbed through the structure while small shards chipped off as the blade was forcefully torn away.

Sour Tooth sprawled down and avoided another beam spell. He rose up and tackled King Sombra to the ground. His hooves slammed into his face over and over again just before he opened his mouth. All of Sombra’s dark magic began flowing into Sour Tooth like it belonged to him and only him. Sombra bucked Sour Tooth in the stomach stealth fully taking the machete from him.

The former king thrust it towards Sour Tooth, but the clown pony rolled away. He fired a spell right at Sour Tooth and knocked him into a junk pile. Sombra opened his mouth. Every single drop of magic inside the clown seeped out through the tip of his horn heading straight back into the tyrant’s seemingly endless supply.

I started pulling myself up slowly. My back hoof used one of the broken railings as support before pushing me up on top of the crystal. Frantically looking around for my rifle I noticed it had fallen to the ground. Ugh.

I tried lighting up my horn, but it only sparked. Wait. It sparked! Yes, my magic is returning! My focus went back to my horn. It slowly started to glow with enough force for my rifle rose up from the ground. A second later my magic imploded letting the gun clatter to the ground. ARGH!

Sour Tooth bucked Sombra in the stomach before tackling him against the ground. He rolled off of him levitating something over to his hoof. His chainsaw right at Sombra’s head. Sombra swung his horn and rammed it right against the chainsaw’s teeth! Sparks flew out in every direction like metal being put to a sharpening stone.

My horn sparked up again. I tried lifting my rifle for the fourth time. It started to shake but eventually just stopped altogether. It’s no use. My muscles were screaming at me to stop. There hadn’t been much rest at all since dealing with the Fireflies. The aching in my stomach, which somehow I had been oblivious to, sent my hoof to the throbbing pain. All four of my legs yelled at me to find a cozy spot and sleep not caring what was going on below.

I’m to freaking tried and spent to get that thing up here. I put every bit of strength I could muster up along with what I assumed was either ambition to stay alive or sheer will power to gallop down the staircase to my rifle. Once it was strapped to my saddle bags I started moving back to the stairs. Wait.

I crept over to the comic that was carelessly lying on the ground waiting for somepony to take it. Thankfully it was the fifth issue of Swordmares. With my award for surviving thus far in my saddle bags, I moved quietly back up the staircase straight over to the crystal hanging at a dangerously low angel now.

Sombra slammed his forehead against Sour Tooth’s making them both stumble back. Sour Tooth looked down and rolled past Sombra. His mouth clamped down on my semi-automatic and aimed it right at Sombra’s head.

Take him out Sour Tooth! One less evil threat to worry about in Equestria is good news to my ears! I climbed over the crystal and leaned against it with my rifle pointed right at Sour Tooth. The second he takes that shot I’m sinking a bullet into you.

Click! Click!

The pistol was empty!

Sour Tooth looked down at the gun just in time to see Sombra bring his hoof across the brim of his mask. He fell back almost to the breaking point on his side, crawling towards a square hole near the junk pile, sheer will power driving him forward. Sombra growled with his teeth almost grinding. This was it. It had to be.

Sour Tooth was looking even worse than I was. I pulled the trigger on my rifle and it clicked twice. No. Crap! My hoof went straight into my bag digging for another bullet. Just one. I only needed one. I could fire it right into Sombra’s back.

Nothing. My bag was empty … no, wait. I found an ammo box with five bullets in it. I loaded them into my gun and cocked it.

Sombra slowly crept towards Sour Tooth with his mouth open. Sour Tooth rolled into the hole. My heart began to slow down. Was he dead? I squinted my eyes. Sombra looked down in the hole.

“AREGGHGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Sombra stumbled back throwing his horn around like a bee was swarming around him. It was covered to the tip with crystals. I have no idea what Sour Tooth did, but Sombra was pissed. He kept trying to light up his horn. “Where is my magic,” Sombra shouted loud enough that the room shook. It felt like the entire structure was ready to come down on top of us.

Sour Tooth climbed out of the hole with blood dripping all over his body. With every sense of the word defeat able to describe him I wasn’t surprised he was already half collapsed on the ground. If anything his will power was the only thing keeping him up at this point. I knew he was smiling. Sombra threw his hooves up and slammed them against the ground hard enough that I felt the staircase shake with a loud metallic screech.

I opened the exit door and got to safer ground. The walkaway collapsed with the crystal.

Crystals punched their way out from the ground knocking Sour Tooth out of his rabbit hole right through the air. It knocked him across the room straight onto a junk pile. Sour Tooth coughed uncontrollably and spat out blood. King Sombra galloped over to him slamming a hoof right down on his neck with no mercy. He opened his mouth and waited. Nothing happened. Not even that magic stealing spell was doing anything.

Sombra moved away from Sour Tooth and a large crystal descended down from the ceiling right on top of him.

I looked away. Shit. He might have been a murderer, but I guess he went down trying to get rid of a greater threat. I looked back at Sombra and watched as the once powerful unicorn king tried to use a spell. Nothing happened.

I ran.

I ran as fast as my hooves would take me, which was nothing more than a light trot, but at this point that was sugar coating my terrible attempt to get away. My body was screaming at me. My heart was racing. I needed some sleep after everything I had just gone through. All I could think about was getting out of there.

*** ***

I didn’t think about what had gone on at the carnival. The only thing I could picture was Silver Shoe falling. Nothing else, because that’s all that really mattered to me. In one day I had gone from traveling with my best friend to being alone in Equestria.

I can’t go back. Not there. I made it out of that carnival and I made a promise to myself. I’m going to meet Showering Stones. Wherever she is I’m going to find her.

My horn lit up. As far as I could tell my magic had fully returned. It only took an hour of waiting. I never want to go through that again. Feeling your magic sucked out of you wasn’t a pleasant feeling. To a unicorn it feels like having a part of you ripped out almost like having your cutie mark torn from you.

I levitated my pistol up and pulled the ammo clip out. Three bullets. No problem. I’ve got a rifle … with five bullets left. Alright all I have to do is get to Remington without running into any slave traders, infected, or Fireflies. At the very least just avoid being seen by them.

WHACK!

Darkness.

*** ***

Ugh. I can’t catch a freaking break today!

My eyes slowly opened. Something was wrong. I could see the wheels of a wagon turning above my head. There was a … rather attractive pegasus mare hanging next to me. Her mane was a grayscale that complimented her light brown coat along with her bulky vest. My eyes went to her cutie mark. It depicted a compass rose inside of a partly unfolded map.

Holy crap, she looked almost like Daring Do! I groaned once the pain from whatever hit me on the head sank in. Buck me in the flank with a two by four.

The mare blinked and looked at me. She nudged her head at me. My eyes went shifty. What? Do I have something on my face? She nudged her head anxiously. I didn’t follow. She mouthed a few … AGH! Such unspoken language! Whatever her name was kept tilting her head in my direction. “My horn?” She nodded. I tried to light up my horn. It wouldn’t even spark.

She groaned with an unsympathetic head shake coupled with a scowl. I tried it again, but nothing happened. If anything it was probably drugs.

“Ugh, we can’t even play with the mare,” a pony I couldn’t see groaned.

He wasn’t alone. His friend hummed.

I finally realized this mare and I were hanging upside down. She was giving me dirty looks that I can guess were from me not using my magic to untie us from the wagon we’re hanging from. Actually it was more like the frame of a stable couch that had been taken apart so it could hold ponies like us upside down. The responsible pony of the bunch spoke up, “If the boss finds out you did anything to that mare, we’d both be shot dead.” I looked at the mare. She was trouble? How much trouble could one mare possibly be? I can understand a pair of ponies, like me and Silver Shoe, but one?

The mare looked at her wings then tried to wiggle them free from the rope that bound them both together. She couldn’t do it.

The mare’s eyes widened. A confident coy smile replaced her scowl. Her voice was full of seduction, “Ahh. Come on. I haven’t been with a real stallion in weeks. If you’re going to kill me at least send me off after I’ve had some fun.” Okay, I don’t see where this is going. You wanted me to break us free and you’re just trying to have fun with them. Geez.

The irresponsible stallion groaned. They argued for a minute before the responsible stallion gave in.

“Fine, as long as the boss doesn’t see or hear about this.” The stallion hissed. That same stallion unhitched himself from the wagon and stepped in front of me smoking a cigar like his life depended on it. It took less than a second for the irresponsible stallion to get that mare off the hook. She was taken into a cave, yeah, this was going to be a while. I groaned.

Rain started to pour again while I kept my eyes on the stallion smoking his cigar. He inhaled it for as long as he could before blowing out some smoke. I could use one of those right about now. “Hey, why the hell did you tie me up?” The stallion turned to me with a toothy smile.

“Boss said he wants more unicorn slaves so we got him one. That mare’s been causing trouble to but she’s just a bonus. Bet he’ll have a lot of fun with her.” Yeah, well I hope I’m not around when you see your boss again. I tried to use my magic. Nothing happened. Ugh, I was drugged.

WHACK!

We both turned to the cave. I have no idea what’s going on in there, but I’m afraid to find out. A gray blur went by me and I fell to the ground. All the ropes around my hooves were cut in an instant! The cigar smoking stallion had two moves. His first was letting the cigar go. His second was realizing he had been dropped over the edge of a cliff.

The pegasus mare landed next to me and brushed her mane back. She reached into the back of the stable coach bringing her bags down along with mine. I looked at her and she nudged her head at my bags. “For the record, that’s how you get out of a situation like this.” Pretend to need a stallion in your life then ambush ponies. I don’t think I can pull that off as well as she can. Besides I’m nothing special. Just a simple thief. “This yours?”

She pointed a hoof at my saddle bags while her tail set a pith helmet down on top of her head. I smiled and bent down to pick it up. Some pony cocked a shotgun. I looked up at saw the barrel of that shotgun in my face. “Put any food, water or bits in my saddle bags. Strap that pistol and rifle to my bags while you’re at it.” Come on! Are you kidding me? “Don’t try anything stupid.”

I put everything I owned inside of her bags, except for the comic books and map. She already had a map from what I could tell, plus I’m sure she had no interest in comics. “Is that it?” I nodded. She looked at the comics but ignored them. The mare strapped her saddle bags on keeping that shotgun pointed at me the entire time.

“Unless you want my comics and map, you’ve got everything.” I hissed.

She gave me a confident smile while slowly raising her body up into the air. Once she was high enough in the air she cracked the shotgun open. It didn’t have any ammo in it! Screw. HER! “You know this is complete bull shit!” The mare looked off at wherever it was she was going. She waved a hoof at me.

I take it back, she’s not an attractive mare. She’s a jackass that needs to have a bullet shot through her wing. If there is a sniper out there right now, this would be the time to fire at us. “You’re lucky I’m letting you keep the map and comics,” she called down to me. One loop later the mare flew off leaving a grayscale trail behind her. I strapped my saddle bags tightly to my body.

“Winged asshole!”

Robbery in the Frozen North

Chapter Ten: Robbery in the Frozen North

How unlucky can I be? My hooves ached from running for the past hour and I can swear I’m being followed by something airborne. I did nothing but run. The screams from infected and clickers behind me were more than enough motivation for my pace to pick up. I looked over my shoulder to find dozens upon dozens of them. That match at the carnival had attracted a lot of attention from infected. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. Irresponsible and Mr. Cigar-smoking-somewhat-responsible-pony had been found then turned into one of those things by now.

The second I trotted up a small hill I had come across a swarm of them and about an hour later I ended up here. Running for my dear life.

My hooves took me right into a boarded up ghost town. Dozens of buildings were void of life aside from my own. This dump is my chance to put some distance between these guys. Might as well see how many I can lose.

I dove right into a gun store, quietly shutting the door as gently as I could. First thing I did was put a dresser in front of the door, quietly. Clickers can sense even the slightest sound from a significant range, so please Celestia if you are on my side, don’t let them find me.

I went behind the counter and leaned against it, slowly sliding down to the ground. My breathing turned into quick pants. Inside my chest my heart was pounding enough to rival a drum solo. My parents did right in naming me Runner, cause that’s what I do! I shook my hoof at the infected before letting a dry exhale out. Water. I need water.

Once I managed to catch my breath I started opening up as many drawers as I could. No ammo. Not a single bullet or weapon to be found in here. A gun store. Not to mention there were more than this stores fair share of cabinets. I looked up at the ceiling to find a banner claiming lies.

“We sell all kinds of guns!

And bullets for all kinds of guns!

We have an army of bullets for your guns!”

Bull. Shit. If this store’s name was a play on the word ‘ammunition’ I would have burnt it to the ground already.

“AREGH! AREGH! AREGH!”

The exit door!

I scrambled right towards it. My hoof hit the edge of a pot halfway to my haven only to have it hit a coat rack. That same coat rack fell over, smacking a box of tools to the ground with clattering that rang through my ears.

Buck me with a rifle. Please. Just shove it up there now. Cause that’s what life loves doing to me!

My heart skipped a beat and sank. The boards behind me thumped loudly while infected tried impatiently to beat them apart. I put my hoof on the back door pulling it with all my might. For a moment it felt like it was locked, but one good shove and it swung open. Boards started snapping behind me, the dresser hit the wall, my hooves moved. I galloped outside and bucked the door shut. My magic wrapped round two crates sending them flying into the door.

I galloped across an alley way, pushing over trashcans or crates, until stumbling into another store. First thing was first. Everything I could manage to move with my magic field was violently shoved against the doors and windows. Infected started beating at the poorly made barricades. I moved around a few counters and stopped. One of the drawers was opened with two comics laying inside. My hoof scooped them up … Swordmares issues six and seven! Nice. I kept running through the store until my eyes found the back door. The knob jiggled.

Locked.

Shit.

My eyes went to the staircase. Infected broke the door in screaming their lungs out as they shoved everything out of their way.

My hooves carried me up the staircase until I came upon a desk teetering at the very top. Even the slightest bump would make it tilt this way. I smiled.

Bringing the desk towards me with my magic I jumped into the air using my hooves to push me over it while the thing crashed into the infected like a bowling ball. My hooves hit the stairs again and I galloped all the way up to the second floor. I turned left and jumped right at a window. The glass shattered against my weight while I rolled onto the roof. Infected broke the glass next to me while I did the only sensible thing. I rolled off the roof onto a pile of hay.

By the time I got to my hooves infected began tearing the wall apart. Aching pain went through my hooves before they began to feel like a lump of loose jelly. Gotta keep moving! Clickers ran around one corner of the building while infected ran around the other. Keep moving! No guns. Just keep going, don’t stop.

My hooves ached even more, they screamed at me to stop, but I told them to shut up. Infected kept screaming while I began to feel one of their mouths trying to clamp down on my tail. My horn lit up and pulled a wagon at me. I jumped over it listened to it crunch against one of the infected. Two more crates around me went flying into the small group. I turned a corner. From out of nowhere an infected thrust itself against me taking us both to the ground.

CRACK!

A griffon landed a few feet away with smoke rising out of his revolver. He tossed it down exchanging it for two pistols. The guns unloaded their clips into the infected stampeding at us. “Where’re you headed?” His eyes remained focused on everything but me.

“Remington!”

The griffon scooped me up under one of his claws, his wings flapping fast, his free claw throwing the pistol into an infected getting to close. Several infected jumped up at me bearing their incredible ugly teeth towards my dangling hooves. Each one missed by mere inches!

I took in a few slow breathes while the infected lost interest in us. Thank Celestia there are good griffons around here.

*** ***

Whoever this griffon was, he took me exactly where I needed to go. Remington. Which was a little bit of a dump compared to Lake Water, but truth be told I’m just happy to have my tail away from infected.

He set me down and I thanked him just before he flew off to meet with some pony waving at him. I turned my attention to the small town. It wasn’t much, pretty much a rest stop for ponies traveling from place to place. A few buildings were sent up, but they were just for housing ponies. There were noticeable guard shacks with some snipers. On the bright side there was a bar!

I trotted into a room that was almost completely empty, the bartender was the only pony there. Then it hit me. I had no bits because of that pegasus. She screwed me. I took a seat and pulled out my map of Equestria. A bottle smashed somewhere above me. My eyes went up to hallway built near the staircase designed to serve like a second floor. Sounds like a great party’s going on up there. “What can I get you,” the bartender questioned. Water. Sadly, that mare screwed me.

“I don’t have any bits.”

He looked the other way pretending I didn’t exist. I’d probably do the same thing. My eyes went back to the map. I could try to go back to District Twelve. No. Celestia damn me if I try to go back now with my tail between my legs.  A feather landed on my muzzle. My nose wrinkled letting it flutter down to the counter. I looked up and a pale grey pegasus was flapping her wings above me. “Hey, we need another bottle up here.” The bartender gave her a polite nod before reaching his hoof under the counter. A bottle of Apple Whiskey was tossed her way. She spared me glance before taking off to her party.

I liked her mane color, it was dark brown borderline black, but just light enough that I could call it brown. I miss Silver Shoe’s slightly puffed up pink mane color. Silver Shoe … I’ll find her don’t you worry.

I don’t know how long I had been lost in thought, but the bartender had set down a drink for me. “From upstairs.” I blinked in confusion. Did what’s her name come back down here? No clue, but I drank it anyway … and spit it right back out! AGH! My entire mouth burned as hot as the flames of hell! I coughed uncontrollably barley able to focus on sliding the glass away. “Damn kid, learn to hold you liquor.”

Well next time give me a warning. Maybe ‘Oh, hey that’s a strong drink,’ not just stand there. “Don’t look at me like that kid, liquor and apple cider heal all heartaches.” Well … okay I don’t know if that’s true, but not a heartache this deep. My wounds will take a long time to recover.

The doors opened up behind me and some pony, I spared the pony a glance, my bad, some griffon stepped inside. It was the guy from earlier! Hey, this guy’s alright, he saved my flank. “Vin, about time you showed up. Guys of yours up stairs are having a party without you.” Vin smiled taking a seat next to me. His attention wasn’t on me. I went back to my map.

“My usual,” the griffon ordered. The bartender retrieved a bottle from the counter behind him. The griffon took it drinking from it without a second thought. “Get this stallion the usual to.” Vin slapped my back. I looked up. Hey, he actually remembers me. “You could use one after that little chase you had with the infected,” he reached his claws out to me.

“Runner,” I said shaking his claw. I got a few chuckles from the bartender. He set the bottle down and I reached for it, but he pulled it away. “Just give me the drink you ass.” Vin chuckled and shook his head. I carefully stared at the bottle, it was called Pegasus Breed. Never heard of it. “I hope this is better than that other drink,” my bottle floated up and I took a small drink.

Not bad. Decent taste, better than that dull crap I’m used to.

Vin’s eyes went right to my map. His claw pointed at a place called the Frozen North. “Where’re you headed?” I opened my mouth but said nothing. That’s a good question. My map had a few locations on it. No idea which one would lead me to Showering Stones though. In fact I’ve only met two pegasi. One screwed me and the other probably gave me a drink. I shook my head undecidedly.

I couldn’t go back to District Twelve. Wait. My eyes went to another place on the map. I could go to District Thirteen. Heck no. I can’t believe I even suggested that. If it’s anything like District Twelve then it’s probably an overgrown eyesore that needs to have its wall torn down. Vin scratched his head and nodded. “Well I’d hate to drink and run, but I’ve got places to be.” I packed up my map and figured I’d go to the closest town. Then go from there. Obviously there wasn’t any pony like Silver Shoe here and I’m assuming Showering Stones is just like her.

I felt a claw grab my shoulder after I slid off the seat, “Hold up. Tell you what if you’re lookin’ to make a few bits then follow me.” Vin got up and walked up the stairs. I blinked. Did he just offer me a job? Hell yes!

I followed him up the stairs turning into the dark hallway above the bar. My Pegasus Breed followed me. Music was coming from one of the rooms along with the sounds of two ponies going at it a few rooms down. We walked past that room and stopped at the one where music was coming from. Vin’s head jerked around like he was looking for something. “Listen, me and two friends are getting ready to pull a job. We’re a stallion short. You want in?” Finally, something that I know how to do around here.

I didn’t need to think about this. “I’m in,” I took a drink. My new acquaintance smiled and put his claws on the door knob. He pushed it open letting me in first. The first pony I saw was the mare from before, the light grey one. A pair of sunglasses covered her eyes. She pulled them down slightly her first reaction being a curious eye brow raise at Vin. There was one other stallion in the room, a tan colored pony with a dark brown mane that had a lucky clover for a cutie mark.

The other stallion looked me over. I wasn’t surprised when I saw the stallion giving the pegasus mare a few glances. The stallion spoke first, “Who’s the wannabe buster?” Hey … I would probably take some offense to that if I actually knew what a buster was. The mare nicked. I took a look at her cutie mark, but it was covered by her saddle bags.

The mare took a look at my choice of drink then chuckled. Vin shut the door before taking seat at the table. “This is Runner, he’s going to help us out tomorrow.” Wait, they’re pulling a job tomorrow. Ugh. I prefer planning things out over going in guns blazing. This better not be a run and gun kind of job. “That stallion over there is Lucky Clover,” he pointed a claw at Lucky who was turning off the radio. We shook hooves. My attention went to the mare next. “That rough mare over there is Glider.” She punched my shoulder and clanked her Pegasus Breed against mine.

“You hear anything from Diesel,” Glider questioned to Vin.

The griffon shook his head disappointingly. Glider’s expression went south of the Badlands. Her sorrows were drown inside of the Pegasus Breed. “Look, you both know my first choice for this job would have been him, but right now our window is closin’. You didn’t see what I saw. This stallion had no weapons on him and ran from the infected with skills I’ve only heard of a few ponies using.” Ponies use desks to mow down infected? Nice. I grinned at that. “I figured he could ride with you, Glider.” She took her shades off completely putting her attention on me. I stared back. Her wings cracked.

“So, you’re going to fly with me,” was her response to Vin’s statement about my skills. I don’t know how to respond to that. “Can you handle a gun?” I nodded. Glider’s disappointed look turned positive while her wing pulled me closer. “Then you can fly with me. Now tell me what you can do.”

I really have to think about that. I can work on engines. I can escape infected without a weapon. I like the first one. “I can work on engines.” Glider’s jaw dropped.

“Looks like we’ve got another grease stallion on the team.” Her spirits were lifting up fast. Who knows, maybe after this I can get them to put me in contact with a glider sales pony? Could really use one of those to get around faster. “What do you guys think, the next Hot Rod?” Lucky Clover laughed at this pointing a hoof at her as if remembering some inside joke or something. “Shit, if this works out you might be more than our friend.”

Lucky nickered. He was thinking about something, couldn’t tell what it was, but I knew it was from happier times. “Alright, we’ll talk about the job tomorrow, Vin, lets show this unicorn how we party!” Lucky’s hoof hit the radio and it started back up with hip hop music. I finished my Pegasus Breed while Glider popped the caps off two more. To my surprise I hadn’t actually celebrated leaving that Celestia-awful place known as a District. Silver Shoe, this party is for you as well. FREAKING PARTY!

*** ***

My eye twitched open only to have blinding light force it shut. A small ray of light from the window made me roll part of my head under the bed. Apparently I had fallen asleep, or in this case passed out, on the floor with an empty bottle under my hoof. I slowly opened my eyes in time see a small bit of sunshine. My head hit the edge of the bed while I scrambled over to see a very rare sight of sunshine. By the time I pulled the curtain back it was gone. I groaned and slumped onto the couch. No idea where Glider or Lucky Clover went, but I knew where I was about to go. Sleep land.

The door creaked open and I put my hooves on my head. UGH! The sound! My head pounded over and over again. It was like having a pony with a steel hoof using my head as a ball. I blinked several times before managing to focus on Vin. “Take this,” he said to me. The sound! AGH! I looked at what he had placed on the table. It was headache medication! Sweet Celestia!

I downed the medication sending water to chase after it. And, three. Two. One. GOODBYE HEADACHE!

Needless to say, I was feeling good again. Vin chuckled while his claws slowly unrolled a map. “Alright, so this how things are going down today.” His claw slowly traced a dark line around the map that went by the Frozen North. From the looks of it we were going to be taking on snow and train tracks. “There’s a train leaving Remington with some engines we’d like to get our hooves and claws on. See the station is too heavily guarded for us to do anything here, which means we’ll need to sneak onboard when it reaches the Frozen North.” That’s not a bad idea. Sneak onboard when no pony can get to them. The snow will give us some cover to. I scratched my muzzle. Only problem is the passengers on the train. If there are guards then we’ll have to make it a stealth mission.

I voiced my observation to Vin. Without a word I could see he had planned for this contingency. He was definitely smarter than he looked. “Yeah, this is going to be a stealth mission. You and Glider will drop down around here,” his claw tapped the beginning of the mountain range. I nodded. “You two will get inside the boxcar then find the engines. Lucky Clover will bring a wagon and you’ll unload them into it. He gallops away, you and Glider get out of there.” Done deal. Vin knew I knew what was going on. He put an automatic pistol down on the table and slid it over to me. I put my hoof on it examining it carefully. Brand new! He put several ammo boxes in my saddle bags. “This is a gift from us, so enjoy it.” Yeah, I’m going to enjoy this, for sure.

Vin put a few pictures on the table and my eyes widened. These are the engines we’re gunning for? Shit, they’ve got taste. All of these engines are either T-Sixty Six’s or RD’s. I’d like to see what they’ve got planned for them that’s for sure. “I’ll be giving you guy’s air support, making sure you’re sticking with the plan. Oh, and Glider will tell you what you can and can’t take.” Wait there are things we can and can’t take? That was never really my style. I always stole everything I could since the person deserved to have things stolen from them. “I know that look, yeah, there are things you can’t take. Alarms are placed on certain crates and if any of those go off we’re going to be fighting the guards in the next car.” Got it. Only take the engines. Rather be safe than sorry.

“Why steal from people like this then,” was the only thing I could say. I’ve stolen a lot more from people that had easier things to take. This mission though, this one just seemed like it was asking for trouble. Especially with the engines we we’re going for.

“If you want to win big you have to take gambles, even stealing from stallions like Dead Eye if you have to.” Fair point. I’m willing to bet there’s an escape plan if things go bad. From the look on Vin’s face I could see I was right about that. We were on the exact same page, word for word. And since he mentioned Dead Eye I’m assuming we’re stealing from him. I have no idea who he is, but if he’s sending engines like these somewhere else then he must be some pony important. “Don’t worry about the mark, he’s not important and won’t even know who’s hitting him.” Alright, I like the sound of that. No way for the target to know it’s us, get in get out and then get paid.

That brought something to my attention. I had no idea how many bits I was getting for this, I brought this to Vin’s attention. “Everything we take we’re splitting even. Three bags of gems and bits a piece.” Deal. That’s enough to buy a used glider. Which I intend to get if I get through this mission alive. “The only other thing you need to know is that when you reach this tunnel here,” his claw pointed at another location further down the line, “everything needs to be in Lucky’s wagon. This is deep Crystal Empire territory and a lot of thieves live here along with a swarm of infected.” I nodded. Stay away from it. Understood, noted, double noted, and triple noted. Consider it done. “Now go meet Glider at the shooting range, once it’s time to go she’ll bring you to the drop off point.”

*** ***

Tighter. Glider’s grip around my stomach tightened even at steady altitude above the train. I wasn’t sure if it was nerves or adrenaline pumping through her veins. AGH! I coughed, signaling to Glider that she was holding me far too tightly. Her grip loosed.

My vision was fogged up to the point I couldn’t see the train. Even if the fog wasn’t here there was more than enough rain pouring over my flight goggles to keep me blinded. I wiped one of the lenses and caught the sight of some from the train. “We’re almost at the drop off point,” Glider’s voice was almost drowned out by the sound of the train’s whistle blowing loudly. I looked over at Vin noticing his subtle descent.

We followed suit. “G, you guys get going. I’ve got you covered!” Glider gave her friend a nod and dive bombed right for the train. I kept my breath held.

Smoke blurred my vision for a minute while Glider barrel rolled out its way. Another loud train whistle went by. “Hey, you might want to close your eyes!” What for-

SHE DROPPED ME!

Butterflies flew around in my stomach! I swear to Celestia I’m about to cough one out! Wind blasted my mane all around like a whip.

OH SHIT!

I began free falling towards the train while Glider looped through the air, taking her ever so sweet time to arrive. This wasn’t part of the plan damn it!

She wrapped me back in her hooves, tightly this time, long before I actually got close to hitting anything. I tried to curse at her, but my everything was telling me to get the job done. “Here we go. Ready?” I nodded, patting my pistol several times. “Formation!” Hell yeah!

Glider dropped me an inch above the train letting my hooves slide across the roof, sending water everywhere, while another whistle loudly howled with the wind. Giving her the signal to come down, I felt water hit my head just before Glider came to a halt next to me.

My horn lit up and part of the roof turned transparent. Crates were shoved all around the passenger-car-converted-boxcar like a maze. I couldn’t see inside of the crates, which was pain since my spell only works on one object at a time. “This is our target. Looks like there are four guards, two stationed by each door.” Glider nodded and quietly trotted over to a large opening that was blocked off with a sheet of metal. She examined it carefully. I moved over to her noticing something rather interesting. Crap. Locked from the inside. “Let’s open one of the windows.” Glider wrapped me in her hooves and flew me over to the boxcar’s wall. My magic forced open one of the windows and in the blink of an eye I was immediately squeezed through with Glider. Rain came through behind us along with the howling sounds of the wind.

Glider pulled me over to some crates to keep us hidden. One of the guards came over to the window and pushed the glass up, “This train is too old for a trip through here.” He shook his head turning back to his post. Glider pushed past me and crept right up behind the stallion, she put her hoof around his neck bringing him to the ground quietly. He struggled for half a minute before falling unconscious. My light grey friend motioned for me to take out the next guard. I trotted past her and moved through the maze of crates.

Good thing these guys aren’t hired for their brains, they’re stupid enough to put crates that block the other guards from seeing what’s going on. I jumped over one of the crates and the stallion jerked his head looking for the noise. As he turned around I jabbed him in the face and wrapped my hoof tightly around his neck. His hooves moved around frantically trying to throw me off. It took roughly a minute for him to fall asleep.

Glider and I set the guards down in the corner. She leaned close to my ear, “Formation two.” My hooves felt light as feathers while I went to the right. Glider went to the left of the crates. I kept as quiet as I could maneuvering around each crate that had fallen from the structures. I galloped past the window we entered through and slipped! My magic caught me mid fall.

Phew. I got back on my hooves and found the other end of the train. My better instincts told me to stay behind the crates, and I did just that. I peered around the crates and saw Glider motioning for us to take both guards down at the same time.

We both moved from our hiding places and crept as close to the boxes as we could. The guard closest to Glider looked at his friend, “After this we should … HEY!” He saw me! The other guard looked at me. I tackled him into the boxes and a crate fell down on top of us. Using my magic with almost no focus, I threw the guard into the wall and opened a window behind me. The guard got up and felt for his gun. Without hesitation I levitated him up, throwing him into the guard Glider was choking out. Her ears perked up and she jumped up into the air flapping her wings to make her fly up higher. The two guards hit the ground with my magic wrapped tightly around their throats. Once we were both sure they were unconscious, I floated their bit bags out and dumped everything into my saddle bags.

I ain’t going hungry tonight! Yeah.

Glider galloped over to a window then back to me. “We’ve got three minutes before Lucky pulls up with the wagon.” she walked around in circles with her eyes locked on every crate we needed to look through. I slid into my transparency spell letting the crates around me became as clear as glass. “Let’s get started.” Glider was fully aware of my transparency spell, I could tell from the look on her face she was convinced that I was a good choice. I stopped walking in front of several crates. T-Sixty Six engines and a few RD engines were inside. I could see a name printed on the RD engines, it had ‘Rainbow Dash’ printed in gold lettering.

“Glider, these are it.” I gave the bottom crate a good smack while looking up at the other cargo. Six beautifully supped up engines. I wish my payment could be one of these. Now these are engines built for racing! Glider galloped over to me and sighed. There were crates stacked on top and underneath the engine crates. Most of them were filled with gems harvested from, I read the label and put a hoof against my face. A rock farm. Just roll with it, Runner.

Glider flew up to the top and stopped, “Can you move these?” I blinked; slowly looking at all of the crates in our way. Our last step in the plan was to move the engines outside and there was two ways of doing that. With my full focus coursing through my magic I wrapped every single crate we didn’t need in a levitation field. Everything but the six engine crates were moved to the back of the boxcar, slowly, painfully, straining my neck muscles and anything else my horn was somehow connected to. My body slumped to the ground with beads of sweat rolling down my head. So much weight! “Good job,” she said slugging me in the shoulder. “Come on, let’s pry the metal sheet down and use the gap as a make shift sunroof.” A sunroof. Really? Who still uses those?

I tried to light up my horn. It sparked to life, but blinked every couple of seconds. Glider noticed. “Hey, you feeling up to this?” Suck it in, I mean, suck it up. I smiled with a not-so-confident nod. It took a bit of effort, but I managed to light my horn up. Glider gave me a mixed smile of concern and happiness. She flew up to the metal sheet covering the gap. All it took was unlatching it to make the sheet fall to the ground. I caught the metal in my levitation field before it could clang against the ground and set it down quietly. “Send up the first one.”

The first engine was wrapped in my blue magic field and slowly lifted off the ground. Glider went under it and pushed it up to move things along faster. Once it reached the gap, Glider made sure the thing fit through. It did. I set the crate down and slumped back to the floor. This was going to put a serious strain on me. My heart was starting to pick up its pace. Just five more to go. A loud thud against the wall told me Lucky Clover was waiting outside. Glider was trying to gently set the crate down inside the wagon without any help. The crate slipped!

My horn lit up and caught it. AGH! The weight of this thing! It weighs a freaking ton! Glider quickly set the crate down and flew back through the gap in the roof. “Just five more.” My body gave out and I slumped to the floor. I’m already exhausted. “This isn’t going to be fast enough.” Yeah I started to notice that. We both looked at the metal door that had obviously been welded on not that long ago. Glider leaned close to me, “You thinking what I’m thinking?” I nodded. Thank Celestia.

We put our backs against the fifth crate and pushed it over to the door slowly. I need a breather at some point. These engines are so heavy, they make me so thirsty. Glider trotted over to the door and messed with a few latches. Half the wall was pulled open leaving us with more than enough room to squeeze the engines through. “So what made you want to run with us, Runner?” I chuckled; pushing the crate through the newly made exit. The moment I set a hoof outside the wind punched me in the face.

“Aside from needing the bits I figured it was something my best friend would have done,” I’m not lying about that. I honestly think that Silver Shoe would have accepted a job like this. Reminds me of the kind of stunts we pulled together back, well it wasn’t really a home now that I think about it. “Honestly,” Lucky moved the wagon over to the space between the boxcars, “I think she helped me become who I am. If you guys had offered me this job a few years ago I wouldn’t have joined. It’s like she wasn’t scared of anything sometimes.” Glider smiled and flew around to the front of the crate. I pushed the crate towards her, she caught it and let the thing carefully slide down into the wagon.

Two down, four to go. We galloped back into the boxcar. I jumped over the crated and put my back against it. Glider joined me, “Reminds me of some pony I know actually. Maybe once this is all over I could introduce you to the stallion that taught me my rough moral code.” That would be interesting. We stopped the crate between the two boxcars then bucked it into the wagon. The crate slammed into the side of Lucky’s wagon making it go on two wheels for a second. It landed back on all fours.

“Hey, you guys pick up the pace! We’re running out of road here,” Lucky demanded. Just as he finished speaking we noticed snow was everywhere. Ah, crap. We really did need to pick up the pace. Glider picked me up and flew back into the boxcar.

Three left. There had to be a faster way. My eyes went up to the sunroof while I leaned against the crate. “Glider,” she looked at me. “I’m going to lift two of these up through there.” Her attention went to the sunroof and she looked at me concerned. Before she had the chance to say anything, I nodded. She somehow understood what that meant and moved away from the crates. My horn lit up. The crates were slowly engulfed with my magic as they rose up. They formed a stack while Glider got underneath it. She helped push them through the sunroof. My mane was drenched in sweat by the time I set them down. My head was starting to pound and I was beginning to feel a little dizzy.

I looked at the window in time to see both crates fall towards the wagon. Shit. My horn lit up and I caught both crates. One of them leaned against the wagon sending it on two wheels. My body was pulled to the ground. I focused all my attention on the crates attempting to set them down without even being able to see them. AGH!

WA-THUNK!

Phew! Safe and sound. I looked up and saw the two crates lying inside the wagon. I rolled over on my back throwing my hooves up. Yeah! I did it. Glider landed next to me, “Come on, we need to get that one out.” I looked over at the crate with a wheeze. I can’t do that again. No more. Please.

She helped me up and we put our backs against the last crate. “Does this mare have a name,” Glider asked curiously. The look on her face told me she wanted to bring my friend, plus me, along for the long haul. These are the kind of ponies I can get used to hanging around.

I nodded and let out a deep breath. My wounds still ran deep. “Her name’s Silver Shoe.” Glider stopped pushing. She blinked a few times before stepping back from the crate. I looked over the crate and saw several zebras armed with assault rifles. My horn lit up, consuming what little strength I had left to slam the metal door shut. Glider locked the latches.

She stared at the door while zebras pounded against it. “Did she have two silver dance shoes as her cutie mark?” Glider turned, looking me straight in the eyes. Wha… what? How could she know what Silver Shoe’s cutie mark was? I nodded, slowly. “That’s my sister.”

No. I shook my head. “No, no, she told me her sister’s name was Showering Stones.”

Glider threw her saddles bags down and showed me her cutie mark. It depicted a waterfall of showering stones. My eyes widened. I … she. Silver Shoe, I found your sister! I found your sister! “Glider is my nickname, my full name is Showering Stones.” I leaned back against the crate just staring at her. Here I thought I was going to go across Equestria to track this mare down. She was right here with me all along. “Runner, where’s my sister?” I swallowed as my heart rate picked up.

I could feel my eyes watering, but I swallowed my feelings and shook my head. “Glider, she’s … she’s.” Showering Stones, I mean, Glider put her hoof against my muzzle.

“Stop, you can tell me about it later.” She nudged her head at the crate. We needed to finish the job. Emotion comes second. With the rest of my strength I sparked up my horn. I think I could do one more for Silver Shoe. The crate floated up while Glider got underneath it. We pushed it through the entrance and I turned to the wagon just outside the window. Glider let it slide into the wagon just before giving the signal to Lucky. Lucky Clover bolted. That stallion vanished in the blinding snow seconds later. Glider flew back through the gap scooping me up in her hooves. She flapped her wings and pulled us right back up.

CRACK!

Glider dropped me and sprawled against the roof. We looked up to find zebra’s armed to the teeth waiting for us. There wasn’t much left in my magic reserves, but I had more than enough to lift my pistol up. Glider pulled out her own gun and started firing into the small group. Two of the zebras jumped onto the boxcar and slid towards us, avoiding every bullet shot we fired. “You alright,” I shouted to my friend. Glider nodded and kept firing. I didn’t see any bullet holes in her wings, thank Celestia. One of the zebra’s landed in front of me with a shotgun pointed an inch from my muzzle. I dove down and rolled to the right. I stood up-

WHACK!

My face slammed right into a sign that tore away my goggles before it sent me face first into the snow below. All I could see was a train pulling into a tunnel before my head rested in the snow.

Thieves Landing

Chapter Eleven: Thieves Landing

Each time the wind went by it was like being punched in the face over and over and over again. My sweaty drenched mane didn’t help either, I wouldn’t be surprised if got stuck in one place from the wind blowing it around. So far I hadn’t seen any sign of Glider, Lucky Clover, or Vin. Not like they could have seen me back in the mountains, the snow had gotten so dense that I had to leave. I didn’t have time to wait for the others to find me, instead I galloped out of the mountains to the only other nearby town on the map, miles away from the Frozen North.

I approached a sign that was dangling from a chain that read ‘Stable Grounds,’ the only town for miles. It … was a lot better than I had imagined. Most of the buildings were old, the wood looked like it had rotted to the point a good chunk of wind could topple them down. I kept my head low, but let my eyes wandered around. Several gruff looking stallions sharpened a few knifes on a sharpening stone; they paid me no mind. I looked at another sign that read.

“Welcome to Stable Grounds, enter at your own risk.”

Just as I finished reading the sign a stallion came crashing out of a second story window. He landed in a stream of water and got back up grumbling something to himself. There was something written on the back of the sign. Yikes.

“Unwanted guests will be shot, survivors will be shot again.”

Of all the places I’ve been to this one is the worst.

Music was playing from a bar and I went in. The bar wasn’t too big, but for a town like this it was a decent size. There was an empty poker table near the window with some dice and cups lying on top of it. Next to that table was a high stakes poker game going on, unsurprisingly, one of the stallions had a full house hidden away. One of the players looked up at me, I nudged my head at the full house stallion.

“I fold!” The other’s joined in.

“Damn it!” The full house stallion threw his cards down and leaned back in his chair.

I assume that stallion isn’t very good at this game. One of the players kept a black desperado hat covering his eyes. He looked at me and smiled, he knew exactly what I had done. I went further inside before abruptly bumping into a light brown coated mare wearing an extremely old pith helmet. She looked at me and our jaws dropped. “YOU!” We both shouted at one another. The thieves sitting around us looked up then went back to their business.

The adventurous looking mare pushed her pith helmet up. “You look terrible.” She turned her head and walked over to the bar. Son of bitch, I thought I was done with you after that ordeal at that cliff.

“That’s what happens when you leave a stallion, without any weapons, to fight a small group of infected you winged asshole.” I chimed back at her lowering my voice. The mare looked at me with disbelief before stopping in her tracks.

My nameless little jerk over there hesitated a minute. It was like her brain was piecing something together. “Bull shit. There’s no way you could have gotten away from infected without a weapon.” It’s called creativity when running away. Try it some time.

“I got lucky,” I hissed. The mare smirked with a nod. We could both agree on that. “I want my weapons back or whichever ones you have on you.” She shook her head and ordered a drink from the bartender. He turned around pretending not to listen in on our conversation. Discrete was not in his vocabulary.

The mare chuckled while her eyes fell to the table. She tugged at her vest while my words registered in her head. “Excuse me?” I repeated myself, just to make sure she understood what I had said. “That’s what I thought you had said.” She took her drink from the bartender. Her free hoof went up while she slowly drank the liquor. “I sold them.  Before you ask, they’re back the way you came, so why don’t you get moving.” The bar tender cleared his throat, his hoof was on the tip jar. I ordered whatever she had. For the love of Celestia if that drink burns my throat as bad as that one drink did, ugh! I tossed some bits down on the counter as well as the tender’s tip jar.

The poker players all groaned together while the desperado player brought all of their chips over to him. He smiled, “Come on guys, hate the player, not the game. Thanks for the bits boys, but I’ve got some business to attend to.” They were all cursing his name in their minds. How did I know that? I’d be doing the same thing.

My attention went back to the mare that sold my weapons. She sold them! This day just keeps getting better and better. First the sign hitting me, then the mare and now my weapons are out of reach. I mean, the weapons she sold, not the one in my holster. “Then I want an apology.” She almost spit out what she was drinking. Her eyes starred right into mine, hers were a moderate rose color. I kind of wish I had kept that Daring Do book to make a comparison. If I had to guess they had close to if not the same eye color. Once I snapped out of my shock from how similar they looked I noticed that she noticed I was being serious.

She scoffed.

Her eyes weren’t even on me and I soon noticed why. I slowly turned my attention to the flaring tip of my horn. So much for better control. The desperado poker player put a hoof around me and little-miss-son-of-bitch. “Son, why don’t you calm down?” He nudged his head at the other thieves and I realized they were all ready to start a fight, riot probably anything that involved bashing a skull in. My horn stopped glowing. “Daring, who’s your friend here?” Daring? Her name is … holy crap. I want to see her family tree. I’m putting some bits down and calling it right now, she is related to Daring Do.

I smirked back at Daring. She gave me the coldest scowl I had ever seen in my life. My very bones felt ready to freeze. I tried to take a hoof step back fearing that she was going to punch me. The desperado poker player held me in place. Daring let out a very long sigh. “He’s not my … we’re not … I … What do you want, War?” That’s a little violent for a pony name. Then again the red scars running along his body said he wasn’t a very friendly pony at times. His mane was ash grey, but it looked good with his almost charcoal black coat.

War gave me a smile and bumped my hoof with his. His mouth got close to my ear. “Thanks for that earlier.” Daring was awestruck at how well I was being accepted by her, I assumed, friend. I could feel her ready to jump out of her seat and smack me for running into her again. “What? I can’t trot over to a bar and invite you two to play a game of Liar’s Dice with me? You used to love that game.”

“Key words, used to,” she hissed under her breath.

War’s smile turned into a slight frown, but he wasn’t giving up on us. No, his expression wasn’t one that said he gave up easily. “How about a job then.” He was offering me a job. My jaw dropped. A mission. With her.

My “Yeah, no,” came simultaneous to her, “Are you kidding?”

War chuckled and shook his head. He wasn’t kidding. Something about that look on his face made me want to walk away now, but I’m sure I’m just being paranoid here. He looked over at the table with dice and cups. My attention went back to Daring. She starred at me and wasn’t going to budge in the apologizing deal I had been trying to offer her. “I’m not apologizing.” The bartender looked at War and nickered. Even the bartender knew this was going to end badly.

War nudged his head and we followed him over to the poker table with dice on it. We each took a seat making sure to leave a space in between one another. “I’m War,” the stallion spoke charismatically before shaking my hoof. I introduced myself. “Well Runner, I have a job to do and I need two ponies to help me out.” He looked at Daring. She looked at me.

Daring pushed her pith helmet up, “War I’ll do this job with you regardless, but not with him. I can already tell he’s going to be a pain in my flank.” I could say the same thing about you.

War shook his head and sighed. I scooped up some of the dice and put them in a cup. “I don’t get it. You two don’t even know each other. Now you’re fighting?” War nickered. “Tell you what, let’s make a bet. You two against me in Liar’s Dice. If you both beat me I’ll find someone else, but if either of you lose then you keep your mouths shut and do the job.” A very sly confident smile found its way onto Daring’s face. Oh, she had played this game before and I knew that even if I didn’t have any real experience playing it that we could beat him.

Daring leaned over to me quickly explaining the rules. Once she was done she scooped up her dice and shook them in the cup. War and I did the same and brought our cups down on the table. I looked under my cup being careful to use my hoof in order to keep War from seeing what I had.

*** ***

Things had gone south, I mean, things went to the Badlands. Daring and I each had one die left to our names and War still had all six of his. I couldn’t believe this. One pony against the two of us and he’s winning by a country mile. I looked under my cup seeing five dots on my die. “There are three fives under here. It’s the truth.” It was a dead lie. Then again Daring could have a five if War called it as a bluff.

War’s ever so slight grin turned into a frown. There was hesitation. Then an understanding warm smile. “You know what that sounds about right to me.” I frowned.

“Bull shit,” was all I could say.

Daring brought her hoof to her face while letting out a long sigh. I moved my cup revealing I did indeed have one die with five dots on it. War showed me what he had. One die with five dots on it, which is all I really needed to see. Daring had five dots on her dice as well. Daring and I tossed our last die into the center of the table. Spot on bid my flank.

Daring mouthed … SUCH LANGUAGE! War pushed his hat up keeping his smile up long enough for us to grow sick of it. “Now, Daring you made a bet, you always honor a bet.” I have to honor it to. Showering Stones will have to wait for now. War got out a roll of bits and tossed them to Daring. “Since you two are going to be working together on this job, I want both of you to stay here a little while longer and get to know each other better.” Daring opened her mouth to complain, but didn’t. Her eyes locked on me and she exhaled slowly. I gave her my best sympathetic look. We both couldn’t stand being around one another, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t try and have some fun.

“I’ve got some business to discuss with the other two stallions we’re working with,” War chimed. He tipped his hat and walked out of the bar. The look on his face said we needed to be good friends by the time he got back. Daring got up heading straight to the bar while War trotted back in. He leaned close to me and whispered, “She’s not as bad as she acts. Give her time.” Right. I don’t believe him. War gave me a shove towards the adventurous mare before galloping out.

I moved behind Daring listening to her order the largest bottle of whiskey this place had. “Bring us your strongest bottle of whiskey. Make it fast.” This was going to be a long night. Rain began pelting the windows and a clap of thunder shook the bar. She pointed her hoof at a booth that was behind a wall and almost completely out of sight. I didn’t want to make things worse between us, so I sat down. Daring sat across from me keeping her eyes locked on the table. Her pith helmet slid down over her eyes.

We both stayed silent for what felt like an hour, I looked at the clock, it had only been five minutes. The bartender left us our bottle of whiskey and two shot glasses. Daring pushed her helmet up. Her poker face was fantastic, I couldn’t even begin to make a guess at what she was thinking. She poured herself a glass before turning her full undivided attention to me. Daring took in a long deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Runner … I’m sorry … for stealing your … weapons.” She was apologizing? My jaw dropped. Her poker face weakened just enough so that I could tell she was swallowing a lot of pride to say that. If she could do it then I had to as well.

Daring drank her glass and set it down. It was my turn. I poured myself a glass and took in a long deep breath. This conversation was more than just a bit awkward for both of us. “Would you … like to … start over?” I downed my glass feeling the whiskey burn on the way down. Not going to lie, I miss the taste of a good Pegasus Breed. Daring poured herself another glass.

“I’d like that.” She tried putting on a smile, but instead downed her drink and poured herself another. Not wanting to get behind I downed another and poured myself a glass. I wonder which one of us is going to end up drunk first? At this rate, probably both of us at roughly the same time. This reminds me of a game Silver Shoe liked to play. It was called ‘Take a drink every time you take a drink,’ she won every time. “How about we tell each other something about ourselves?”

“Sure.” Best thing we’ve offered each other all day!

Daring starred at her reflection trying to figure out something to tell me. I could imagine she had a number of things to say since she looked like the type of mare to go out and explore. She took her pith helmet off while casually taking a look around the bar. You know, for some pony that acts like a jerk, she’s got a very nice eye color. “For starters, I was born in Cloudsdale. My father tried to raise me after my mother inhaled to many spores on a job and,” she broke into a choke. Shit. That must have been hard. Her eyes drifted down to her reflection in the glass. “Not long after that, reapers came in and raided the town. They took a few foals and I happened to be one of them, those bastards put a bag over my head. I remember my father was yelling something and then gunshots.” She trailed off and sat still. I hadn’t noticed it before, but there was a lot of hurt in her eyes. I wonder if everyone in Equestria have such messed up lives.

It took ten minutes before Daring snapped out of her trance. I kept quiet and let her coupe with what she was feeling. “The reapers brought me out of Cloudsdale and we’re killed by some clown not even a minute after landing. All the foals ran for it and since then I’ve lived my life here, there, wherever. Went back to Cloudsdale and got a job, but it wasn’t for me.” Daring drowned her sorrows with her whiskey and poured another glass. “Then I jumped from crew to crew for several years, then I stole your weapons. Funny how life works out.” A born adventurer that’s also a highly skilled thief. Alright, I had her wrong, she isn’t a jerk. And now she’s even more attractive to me. Leave her be Runner, she’s still trouble.

Her eyes starred into mine, trying to see what I had seen. I took a drink and did my best to pick a place to start from. To be fair, I really didn’t want to remember being in that District. The more I thought about it the more I just wanted to forget I ever came from there. “There’s not much to tell. I grew up in District Twelve, my father died in a glider accident and a few years after meeting my best friend, Silver Shoe, we started taking things from the cops. Corrupt bunch.” Daring nodded. “Ponies weren’t treated right at all, so we left.”

I finished my drink. The liquor burned my throat while I dug deeper holes to suppress those memories. Daring poured me another glass and we sat in silence again. I think we were both trying to burry things from our past. She cleared her throat, “So where’s Silver Shoe now?” My heart rate started picking up. My eyes watered. I did the first thing I could think of. I levitated the bottle over, attempting to drink the entire thing. Daring got up and took the bottle from me. Her eyes went from me to the bottle then back to me. She nodded slowly. “You can’t drink your problems away, believe me, I’ve tried.” Daring put the whiskey bottle down before letting me finish my glass. She changed the subject, “Any goals?” I nodded.

“I just want to find some place I can call home.”

Daring nodded. “I want to,” her voice lowered, “rip off a casino.” Silver Shoe went to the back of my mind. I starred at Daring trying to figure out how she could possibly steal from a casino. “I love to gamble.” I chuckled. That’s a crazy goal.  Daring leaned back and looked out at the other thieves. “If Equestria ever got back on its hooves and there weren’t any more infected to worry about. I think I’d like to explore every part of it.” I like that goal a lot more. It sounds a lot more fun than trying to steal from a corrupt casino owner though. By the time I looked back at the clock again an hour had already past. Our moments in silence had been a lot longer than I thought. I rubbed my eyes.

“Think we’ve shared enough for one day,” I lowered my voice. Daring nodded somberly.

We both sat in silence for another couple of minutes. Every so often we’d pour another glass of whiskey, up until the bottle was completely empty. My vision started to blur and the last shred of actual thought going through me was to find a place to sleep. Daring looked at a pony approaching us. I felt a hoof around my shoulder. “You two seem to be getting along quite nicely now.” War pulled me up and tipped his hat to Daring. She waved a hoof at him and I was pushed forward.

War escorted me outside and a pink shield formed over us while rain continued to pelt the ground around us. A sheet of rain managed to slap my face. “I told you she wasn’t that bad.” I looked at him and shook my head. Sleep is what I craved right now. “Come on, I’ve got a place for you to stay, we’ve got a big day tomorrow.” I nodded and followed War to a small housing room. He pointed to some stairs and I went up to the room. There was only one room on the second floor so I couldn’t drunkenly walk into the one that wasn’t mine. I nudged the door open and locked it behind me. My body fell on the bed.

The mare sure loves to drink! My head collapsed on a pillow. There was a knock at the door.

I got up and unlocked the door. It was War. “Listen, be careful around Daring. She’s been through a lot.” Yeah, no shit. I thought I had it rough. From what he was telling me I could easily assume I’d be working with her a lot more. Fantastic. War kept talking, but my brain had finally shut off. I just smiled and nodded. Once he left, I closed the door and collapsed back on my bed.

Plan of Action

Chapter Twelve: Plan of Action

I had been mesmerized by the click-clacking from the train’s wheels moving along the tracks for over an hour. In that time I had gone over what happened between me and Silver Shoe. That memory played back over and over and over again with no end in sight. The catwalk collapsing. Silver Shoe plummeting to her death. The fact that it was my fault.

“Runner.”

If only I had just kept my mouth shut. She’d still be here and we would be hanging with Glider right now. Speaking of Glider I don’t even know where she’s at. I need to track them all down once I finish this job. I’m going to have that talk with her at some point. I don’t even know if I’m ready for that conversation. I can barely handle thinking about Silver Shoe let alone saying it out loud.

This morning, when I woke up, I was drenched in sweat. The bed had been damp right where I had been laying. I had the most vivid dream of her falling down. I could feel something metal going through my body like I was her.

I ran my hoof through my mane. It was a little damp.

“Runner.”

Something hit my leg. My head snapped away from the window and I looked at War. I was breathing in fast pants. “You doing alright? You looked stressed out and depressed.” I nodded and went back to looking at the window. War shifted in his seat and pushed his hat up. Daring was too busy looking out the window to notice us talking. I stared out at a sign that put a small grin on my face.

Welcome to Las Pegasus:

A Place Where Dreams Come True!

Yeah for the casino owners. Why couldn’t Silver Shoe and I have come here? This is Las Pegasus the home of Equestria’s fastest rush and ten times better than that Nightmare Moon carnival.

The train pulled into a station and we all got off. This was where we were supposed to pull whatever job War wanted us to do. I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting this place to be his mark, but I won’t complain. The clouds above us had darkened making the colored lights at each casino stand out like they were performers with stage lights on them. Several large spires were positioned in front of one casino each lit up in so many different colors I thought my eyes might fall out. War pointed to the casino right across from us. “That’s our mark.”

The sign lit up in beautiful scarlet red lettering that drew all of my attention away from the other casinos. The letters spelled out, “The Redemption Casino.” It was five stories tall with tinted windows that made it impossible to see inside. Daring’s jaw dropped. She pushed her pith helmet up slowly turning at War. “This is our …,” all she could do was smile. A pony whistled at us.

The stallion had a tan coat and light brown mane, he had on a suit jacket that looked like it was made for high rolling. War trotted over to him and I followed. “Runner, this is Rusty Horseshoe, he’s a part of that thing I told you about.” A wagon was attached to him and all three of us jumped inside of it. Daring looked at her vest, then took a rather curious look at the ponies walking out of the casino. I don’t know about her, but I feel severely underdressed for this place.

“Shouldn’t we be dressed in some nicer clothes?” Daring voiced my concern.

War just chuckled and gave Rusty a pat on the back. “It’s good to see you again Rusty. Is Han waiting at the restaurant?” All Rusty did was hum. He galloped down the road then pulled into an alleyway just several blocks away. We got out; I already started noticing ponies looking at us. If I had to guess I’d say only ponies that have flank tons of bits can get into Las Pegasus.

Daring and I jumped out of the wagon looking at the place that I assumed was our base of operations. Pretty desecrate place. War tossed me a key. I caught it in my levitation field. “All the way to the back, basement. We’ll meet you two down there.” I looked at Daring while she shrugged. We walked inside the restaurant immediately dodging every server within a five table radius. I took a long inhale, bringing in smells so wonderful I swear my mouth was drooling from the hay being cooked. Once we got to the back of the building we turned left to find a locked door.

I put the key in the lock and turned it. The door swung open and we both trotted down a staircase leading us straight to the basement. Daring pushed open the last door revealing to us a large room with bookcases set up around us. For all these book cases set up there wasn’t enough books to fill the space. Funny thing was that there was only a history book lying around. I walked into the open coming face to flank with a zebra dancing to the tune of some song he was playing through his headphones. There was a chalk board set up in the center of the room and it was a big one at that.

The zebra landed on his fore hooves, holding the lower half of his body in the air, sweat slowly dripped from his mane. He stuck out his front right hoof and kept a graceful pose before pushing off the ground. One back flip later and he was back on all four hooves. I walked past a bookshelf luckily spying four things I wanted to read. Equestria: A History in the Making Volume II, Equestria: History of the Wonderbolts, and Swordmares issues eight, nine and ten. Rusty Horseshoe walked past me and stopped. His head faced the bookshelf. “You can have those if you want I don’t really read them anymore.” He brushed his mane forward then walked over to the chalkboard.

“I can,” my jaw almost dropped, “I really can!” I scooped everything up into my bags. Everything was sorted right then and there. The two history books went with my other history book and my new comics went with my other comics. Daring walked past me, scoffing just loud enough for me to hear, shaking her head trying not to laugh. She chuckled a little.

“Careful, you’re drooling.” She didn’t look back but she knew I was staring at her. Yeah, yeah very funny Daring.

Once I was done I got up and walked over to the chairs set up in front of the chalk board. It was freaking huge. There was enough room to draw up any plan you wanted, that was after pictures of our mark had been taped to it, then plan out what we each wanted to do for the rest of the week.

Silver Shoe and I had something similar. It was bulletin board in the sewer system. Most of our information was later burned excluding the information from our last job which I was planning to hold on to for another job, before everything went crazy.

My attention went to the zebra. I had read a lot about them and how their homeland was far from Equestria, but to actually see one was another feeling entirely. According to my books their lands were far from Equestria. Daring noticed I was staring at him, she slowed down enough to give me a nudge when I caught up to her. “You’ve never seen a zebra before have you?” I shook my head and gave her “nu-uh” as my answer.

War whistled at everyone while we both took a seat in front of the chalkboard. The zebra took a seat right next to me! I need to talk to him and ask questions! Reading is one thing, but actually seeing and talking with one is better experience than any book could ever offer. War pointed a hoof at the zebra, “Runner, Daring this is … just call him Han.” Nicknames. Alright. The zebra shook both of our hooves then went back to starring at the chalkboard. “He’s our eyes on the inside, has been for a while now.” I looked at his flank and saw what I assume is supposed to be his cutie mark.

From what I had read, zebra’s had markings that were similar to our cutie marks. His looked like the spoiler for a high end glider. “I thought zebras had markings based on things from their homelands,” such as welcome masks. Han turned his attention to me only sparing a glance at his flank once.

He nodded. His accent was more exotic than anything I had ever heard or even read about. “Like you pony folk, we to, have markings that depict our special talents.” Han cleared his throat and his accent was gone! “My special talents are flying gliders and disguising myself.” What! He can change when he has an accent! That is the coolest thing I have ever seen a zebra do. I mean it’s the only thing I’ve seen a zebra do, but how many zebras can actually do that? I looked at Daring and she was having the same reaction I was. Now that was a shocker. She blinked, turned away, then pushed her helmet up pretending she wasn’t impressed.

WHA-THUNK!

A pony trotted through the open door. It was a stallion wearing a dress shirt and suit jacket, he had a clean cut salt and pepper mane with a light brown coat. “There’s the stallion I’ve been waiting for. Eleven Oceans, this is Runner and you already know Daring,” War laughed pointing a hoof at us. “This is Oceans, he’s our heist planner, organizer, information scout and general go-to stallion for work like this.” Oceans stopped in front of us taking the time to shake our hooves along with a proper introduction. I spared a glanced over at Daring and noticed she was shaking her head. If I had to guess she wasn’t surprised by these ponies being picked. I’m sure we were both surprised about the zebra though.

“So you two are our spare members, pleasure to have you aboard. Daring, I knew he’d pick you.” Daring gave him a hoof bump with beautifully confident smile. There was something about this guy that I liked. He looked like the kind of stallion that was just down-to-earth. From the smooth tone of his voice all I wanted to do was go along with whatever he said. If he told me to go in guns blazing I’d do it. Honestly if he told me some bull shit right now that I knew was a flat lie I’d believe him no questions asked. Eleven Oceans just has so much charisma flowing from his voice!

Oceans and Rusty took a seat next to Han. All of our seats were taken and from the look on War’s face everyone was here. He pointed a hoof at the pictures of the casino. War’s horn lit up commanding several schematics of the building floated up in front of us. Rusty chuckled. “Nice to see our methods haven’t changed.” Shit, these are the kind of methods that Silver Shoe and I had to use. I wouldn’t be surprised if most criminals in this line of work use similar methods.

War nickered. “We’re about to pull off a heist on a corrupt multimillion dollar casino relieving it of its most valuable assets. No, the methods haven’t changed, not even for this job. We can’t risk leaving a trail on some faulty hard drive system.” That’s a good point. We can burn paper and make sure the evidence stays gone. Computers can be hacked and traced. Rusty couldn’t help but crack a grin. What did I just get myself into? I can deal with stealing a few nice weapons, some food and even some engines from a train, but this is just insane. “Oceans, would you please explain the plan.”

My eyes went to Daring. I could see she was taking in every little detail she could from the schematics. I started doing the same. Analyzing all the entry, exit or any door that could be used to leave the building. This was something I loved about working with plans. It all made sense to me.

Daring slowly nodded her head, clearly having everything setup in her head, while she looked at the others who apparently already had the floorplan memorized. Eleven Oceans stood up and took War’s place while a piece of chalk levitate up next to him. Oceans was an earth pony, so was Rusty, War’s horn was aiding them to make this move faster. “Alright, just so we’re all caught up,” Oceans exclaimed while his hoof went straight to a picture of our target. “Our marks name is Dead Eye, he’s the casino owner that were going to hit and the stallion that practically runs Harbor City. He’s also King Sombra’s right hoof.”

Oh, shit. This guy’s been busy with his resume. I kind of want to be a part of this job now. Kind of. Not just doing the job because I lost a bet. Oceans voice though, he has such charisma when he speaks! “We’re targeting his casino’s most valuable assets.” The money. Right. “The unicorn slaves he ships off to Harbor City for Sombra to feed on. Rusty’s grease mare gave me some information regarding a spell Sombra uses that draws out a unicorn’s magic then turns it into his own.”

Yeah, I’ve seen that spell used right in front of my own eyes. In fact I’ve had that very spell used on me! I’ve even seen it used against him. And … wait. We aren’t doing this for the money.

Han cleared his throat. “You’re telling me that you’ve been planning all of this with the intent of stealing slaves and not the one hundred fifty million plus bits in Dead Eye’s vault?” Rusty turned his head at him and nodded. Okay, so I’m not the only one that thinks this heist is crazy. Well … then again we’d be freeing a lot of ponies from harm’s way. You know what this is just like Brave Day’s mine. I’m all for it. Saving ponies is what other ponies should be doing.

I turned my attention back to the board while Han was trying to put this all together. Oceans tapped the board and Han looked up at him. “Don’t worry, Rusty and I don’t work for free either. That being said we’re sending two high rollers inside the casino to gather up one hundred thousand bits for us.” I looked at War, he reluctantly nodded with that part of the plan. Alright so I’m hoping War has this all thought out. I’m really hoping I don’t get stuck with gathering the bits. My gambling skills suck, which reminds me of why I’m here in the first place.

Han folded his hooves together and nodded. “Right, you said we were robbing the casino of its most valuable assets.” There was no doubt he was pained about not going for the bits. After some careful thought his mood seemed to turn from sour to accepting. “Alright, well now that I’m aware of what we’re going after. How do you suppose we break into the jail cell? It’s four floors below the main floor and the door into the jail room itself is a bitch to get open even with an access card. You can’t hack it either.” Rusty exhaled and got up from his chair. He reached into a pair of saddle bags lying on the ground retrieving a picture of a large drill. That … that’s the drill from Brave Day’s mine!

Oceans pointed to the picture. “That’s why we got this. We’ll take the drill underground and punch a hole right through the wall.” That’s a great idea. If we can get the keys on the pony using the drill they can unlock everything. Every slave can get out through the sewers. I noticed a schematic of the sewer system was taped up as well. That also solves the issue of getting the unicorns out. It’s not like we can bring a few dozen unicorns up through an elevator into the casino. Especially if that casino is rigged to capture unicorns.

My eyes traced the pictures a few times and I noticed that knockout gas was intended for the heist. The AC units look like they have sensors that can detect knock out gas which, from the looks of it, ruled that out. My eyes stopped on a list of plans that were put in the failure pile. Daring spoke up, “I’m surprised you didn’t try Opalescence in a Handbasket for this.” A what in a handbasket?

“We can’t train a cat that fast and not enough ponies,” Rusty retorted.

Daring, you have some seriously funny plans to try out. Maybe after this is done … no. I’m going to Glider after this. Screw another heist. I continued looking through the plans before taking interest in one that involved using the great hall that led to the vault housing the monetary payload. “What about that plan with the great hall, what happened there?” There was a scoff from Han.

He cleared his throat, “Pinkie Laser Grid System. It’s programmed to move at random and only one pony is said to have ever gotten through it since it was built two hundred years ago.” Damn. Two hundred years and this system hasn’t been beaten another time. “My favorite failed heist was the one with the zebra trying to dance his way through the laser field. Tripped the fifth laser.”

Rusty chuckled and slapped his leg. “My favorite was the one where three griffons ran out of the casino drunkenly saying ‘we stole mad stacks of gems,’ and then got shot.” War burst out laughing along with Daring. Sounds like a lot of different crews have tried to break the bank with this casino and failed. Hopefully we’re not one of those crews.

Daring pushed her helmet up and looked at me. She leaned close to my ear, “My favorite was the one where a unicorn tried to teleport inside. Dumbass got stuck inside the vault!” I laughed at that. Damn, that must have been some surprise! I brought my hoof to my face, slowly shaking my head. If you’re going to steal something make sure you can at least pull it off.

I hadn’t noticed how off track we were getting until Oceans tapped his hoof against the chalk board. “Are we done here?” His voice raised a little. Daring cleared her throat and put her attention back on the board. You know there was a time when I wanted to get involved with racing. This isn’t racing and I’m starting to question why I’m here. Aside from being a small time thief myself.

War got up and motioned for Oceans to sit down. He did so letting War take the stage again. “Alright enough talking, listen up.” Han faced forward and Rusty acted like he was paying some attention. From the diagrams on the board it looked like he was on drill duty. “Before we break I want to make sure we’re all clear on this. I know three of you aren’t here doing what’s best for Equestria, well I am, now my plan to get you three money is simple. Runner, Daring and I will pose as high rollers. I’ll cheat on some of the machines and get caught, after I’ve given Daring my bits, then Han throws me in the jail cell with keys to get every unicorn out.” Okay, that sounds good. Next part please. “While that’s going on Daring will be using every trick in her and my book to cheat, rig then win her way to one hundred thousand bits. Runner will keep an eye out for potential screw ups, dealing with them accordingly should they arise. Once this is all done, Oceans, Rusty and Han will divide their payment amongst themselves. We load the slaves up in a train and drop them off in Ponyville. Oh and no pressure, but this is the only time we’ll get to pull this off, because Dead Eye is sending those unicorns out to Harbor City a couple of hours after our exit strategy pulls out of the station.”

Sounds good to me. I can keep a plan going and help Daring out the best I can. That’s assuming nothing goes wrong, but with a heist this big, something’s going to go wrong. Han looked a bit disappointed, but he nodded just deciding to go with it. Although having me Daring and War try to earn that much money sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. War clapped his hooves together. “Good, now that we’re all on the same page let’s break. Oceans, Han I need you guys to get the drill in place for tonight. Rusty go get us some clothes, make sure they are fancy.” Thank Celestia I won’t feel underdressed any more. I looked down at my lack of attire. Alright, well I don’t usually wear clothes to begin with, but still.

Every pony got up from their seats and trotted off to do their jobs, except for Han. The zebra walked over to War and pulled him to the side. “Tell you what, you can give my share of the money to Rusty and Oceans. I’ll take some pride knowing I did this job for the right reasons.” I couldn’t help but smile at that. Doing something good for the sake of doing something good. Han met up with Oceans just before walking out the door.

Daring joined War at a table with several different casino games set up next to it. “Let me guess the casino is rigged isn’t it.”

“That’s right and I’m going to teach you everything I know on how to swindle everything you can from them,” putting the odds in our favor. Who says the house always wins? That just means … I have nothing to do until we start the mission. “Runner, why don’t you read some of those books until were done. Study the floorplan if you want.” Then I will do just that. I found a cozy spot on the couch and opened my history book. A topaz gem fell out.

My horn lit up and I focused my magic on it. The world around me blurred while colors filled my vision. Everything was ripped away at once.

*** ***

Whoever I was inside of right now, blinked. My eyes were staring down at a newspaper with the headline ‘Second Break-In at Fillydelphia PD’. I could see my host’s reflection in a dark computer screen. It was Princess Twilight.

I wonder. Alright. Focus. My eyes closed.

I opened them to find I was standing in front of Twilight with nothing but her desk between us. She couldn’t see me, but this gave me a lot more insight in how to use a memory jewel. Looks like they can let me see things through one pony’s perspective or through my own. Whoever made these is a genius.

Spike burst through the door holding stacks of papers in his claws. “Three missing Princesses and three times the work. Twilight, I don’t know how you do it.” An owl came flying in and perched itself on Twilight’s chair. The thing flew right through me and it … ugh … felt just … it didn’t feel right.

Twilight looked up from her paper work slowly opening her mouth. Her yawn lasted for a few long seconds before she closed her mouth. Her eyes were bloodshot. If I was in her place I’d have collapsed by now. “It’s nothing I can’t handle without my two assistants.” She gave us her best smile. Twilight yawned again and pulled open a drawer. I trotted over to the open drawer noticing her hoof pull out a large energy drink. Oh, come on Twilight. Those are just plain bad for you. “Just remain calm and collected and you can get through any job.” I could have used that lesson a while back.

Spike waddled over to the Alicorn with a chair being pulled right behind him, he spared a moment’s notice at the headline. His claws gripped the paper, tossing it in the trash, before turning a concerned eye to Twilight who was beginning to look a bit disappointed. “Aww come on Twilight. Don’t get so down, maybe you should have Rainbow Dash and Applejack help you re-design the security system in Fillydelphia.” Twilight’s eyes closed for a second almost making her look asleep. She opened them. “I mean you’ve taken on so much extra paper work on top of designing five new systems. You could use a break.” Any pony could see he was right. Twilight’s head fell forward and she jerked it back up. She blinked several times before chugging a gulp from her energy drink. The sheer amount of will power she must be using to stay awake was admirable.

Twilight tapped her computer screen. I took a look at what was on the screen and … hey … this system looks pretty good. I mean a few tweaks could be done to it. Those cameras have a large window of time before any one of them can cover that area with the statues. That’s probably how ponies are getting in. Overall it’s a good looking system. “Maybe my number one assistant can give me some advice.” Spike opened his mouth only to have the door swing open. “Who’s my number one assistant?”

“I am!”

It was the pink mare from the carnival sign! She spoke at an alarmingly fast speed. “Helloooooo Twilight. When Spike told me how stressed out you were I knew I couldn’t let my bestest friend in all of Equestria buckle under that kind of pressure. That’s when I had the craziest most thoughtful idea ever. I’m throwing you a surprise party!” Breathe! Breathe you lovable pink mare, breathe! “Aww I guess it’s no longer a surprise now that you know, but we can still have a great time anyway! I got chocolate covered apples and a chocolate fountain!” Her ears flapped simultaneously with her buckling. “We can even get some for that spy that’s eavesdropping on us.” Twilight looked at her security cameras. I looked at them to. Nothing was out of the ordinary. My horn lit up and I looked around the transparent walls. No pony was hiding anywhere.

Sweet mare, but she’s a bit to hyper.

“Pinkie I …”

“What? Those things are good!”

Who has the energy to keep up with you? I’m getting exhausted from listening to you. Sorry Twilight, you’ve got a good friend, but I can’t understand how you keep up with a pony that hyperactive.

Pinkie Pie needs to use her energy to make some energy drinks. Bet they’d be healthier than the one Twilight’s drinking. Oh, she finished it. Pinkie Pie looked at some sphere with small pegs pointing out of it. Somehow I missed the machine in my observation of Twilight. Pinkie waved her hoof around it while Twilight hit a button with a grin. The lights dimmed. Blue lasers became visible throughout the entire room, I traced them all the way back to the sphere that Pinkie Pie was messing with.

Twilight hit a few more buttons until she commanded the lasers to start moving around. One of them hit my eye!

AGH! I blinked and put a hoof to my right eye. What the hell? So ponies and other moving objects can pass me, but when a laser hits me it still hurts? Screw you memory jewel! I raised my hoof at the stupid machine.

Pinkie Pie started ducking under the lasers. It’s an impressive system, Twilight did a wonderful job, but Pinkie Pie was making it look like a child’s exercise machine. She flipped over one of the lasers and balanced on one hoof just like Han. “What game is this Twilight?” Princess Twilight’s jaw was down on the desk while she watched what was going on. “It’s a bit to predictable though, don’t you think?”

It is not … predictable … holy crap. That laser field is predictable. It took me a couple minutes to figure it out and I missed a lot of the conversation between the two friends. This was crazy though. Each laser had a specific movement after each couple of seconds. It wasn’t a noticeable pattern, but with the right eye you could catch it moving in a pattern.

Twilight’s head slumped down to the desk while Spike was bumped by Pinkie Pie’s flank. The princess looked up and tilted her head. She moved her hooves back to her key board. I turned to the screen noticing her type something I couldn’t really understand. A few minutes went by until the screen displayed a new formation for the lasers. “Pinkie you’re a genius!” Twilight stood up and she dwarfed me in size. I’m not very tall, but Celestia would have a run for her money if her protégé kept growing like this. “Spike get the girls together as soon as you can. We’ve got work to do.” Looks like that energy drink finally set in.

Pinkie Pie stopped moving while the lasers moved all around her, they never actually touched her, but it was like some weird sixth sense was telling her where to stop. Her puffy hair deflated like a balloon. It even sounded like one! “What about your surprise party that’s not a surprise anymore?” Pinkie tilted her head.

“If this next system works, I’ll party all night!” Pinkie’s hair bounced back up becoming puffy again. She looks better that way. Her hair being deflated makes her look depressed. Pinkie gasped and tried to sit patiently while Twilight continued working on the system. I yawned and sat on my haunches.

Several hours went by! The jewel has hours held in it. And. I. Can’t. Leave! AGH! I’m going crazy here. I didn’t dare leave the room for fear that I’d somehow ruin the memory or the jewel itself and get stuck in here. Pinkie Pie had fallen asleep leaving Spike to go off to get Twilight’s friends.

Twilight hit one more button on her keyboard before pushing away from the desk. She spoke to no pony specific, “The Pinkie Laser Grid System is done.” Princess Twilight took in several deep breathes before installing it into a mechanical box on her desk. Pinkie Pie lay snoring on the carpet. “Pinkie,” Twilight’s warm voice like a hot chocolate on a cold winter night, “I’m finished.” The pink mare’s eyes bolted open, her body springing up onto her haunches. I let out a loud yawn that I’m so glad they couldn’t hear. Pinkie Pie’s head snapped around looking for a noise. She can’t hear me can she? No. No. That’s impossible.

The next thing I knew, the memory flashed forward a few minutes. My vision blurred for a second and returned to normal. I looked around at my surroundings. And saw beautiful glass depicting major events in Equestria’s history. Sombra being stopped by Spike. Twilight harnessing the Elements of Harmony with her friends. The defeat of Discord. Princess Twilight triumphing over Lord Tirek. Those were just a few of the events that I could name. There were several others, but I hadn’t read about them yet.

It was a ballroom. A beautiful one at that. Several other mares accompanied Princess Twilight into the room with Pinkie Pie. One of them was a … wow … she had a stunning purple curled mane with a blindingly white coat. “Whatever is the fuss Twilight? Spike said it was urgent. Oh, and how are you darling? It’s been ages since we’ve seen you out of your office.” Twilight galloped over to a security box mounted high up on the wall. The box was attached near a piece of tapestry that almost made the entire box blend in. From within her saddle bags a similar looking box was retrieved, it was the one the new system had been downloaded to, before I could even blink it replaced the old model.

Twilight rejoined her friends at the other end of the ballroom. Once they were all behind a certain line Twilight opened up a brief case. With the press of a button the entire ball room was filled with thirty six lasers all moving in … another pattern? “I need you all to help me test this system. Pinkie Pie helped me develop it. Since she is the very definition of random I used that to develop the way the system moves.” Wait. I looked back at the lasers.

“Don’t worry sugar cube we’ll help you out,” A mare in a cow pony hat gave Twilight a pat on the back.

“So you programmed the laser grid to move … at random?” Rainbow Dash looked a bit skeptical. I was giving Twilight the exact same look. You couldn’t program a system to move randomly. That’s just impossible. It can’t be done. There I go being that pony again. Then again this is Twilight Sparkle, personal protégé to Princess Celestia. She could do anything. Right?

Rarity sat on her haunches, her head moving in time with the lasers. “Then Rainbow Dash can be the first one to test it.” I turned my attention to the two pegasi in the group. Wait. I just realized the one with the butterfly cutie mark is Fluttershy! Her bandages have saved my flank so many times. She has my utmost respect.

Rainbow Dash trotted over to the unofficial starting line. She crouched down doing a few practice sprints in place. One of the mares with a bit of a country accent spoke up. “Good luck there Rainbow.” The pegasus shot her a smile brimming full of confidence.

“Luck, I’m all the luck I need, AJ!” Rainbow Dash pushed off against the ground and flipped past the first three lasers. She landed on her back hooves and she let the next laser move past her. Once it went by her she took off flying. Five more lasers got in her way; she froze. Rainbow Dash jerked her head around and started going back. Two lasers passed through her. They blinked red alerting Twilight through her briefcase. “Oh, for the love …” the pegasus muttered some stuff to herself while she went back to the starting line. “Applejack, your turn,” she reluctantly gave the country mare the floor.

Applejack gave Rainbow a pat on the back. She took off her hat and put it in the other mare’s face, “Hold mah hat.” The country mare galloped off, sliding underneath the first laser, with her blonde mane waving behind her. Her hooves pushed off against the ground letting her dive right over two more lasers. Her back hooves went down and missed the lasers by an inch! Phew.

She rolled to the right letting another laser move towards her. I lost track of how many lasers she got past, she was doing better than Rainbow Dash though. Four lasers went down to the ground and started searching for hooves. Applejack jump over them just as two of them moved up. Her back hooves hit the edge of one laser. Twilight’s brief case went off. “Aww shucks.” Applejack walked back over to Rainbow Dash, taking her hat back, before muttering some foul language to herself.

Once the country mare took a seat next to Twilight it was Fluttershy’s turn. She flapped her wings looking back nervously at the group. Twilight waved her hoof with an eager look on her face. Fluttershy looked back at the lasers. Gently flapping her wings a bit harder she inched herself forward, arching her back while she moved around the first laser, beads of sweat rolled her muzzle She circled around the second laser running right through the third. “I’m so sorry Twilight, I’m not very good at this kind of stuff.”

Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes, “I’ll say. I bet our spy would do better than that.” We all looked at Pinkie Pie. WHAT SPY? I’ve looked around here several times … wait. My horn lit up. The tapestries became transparent but no pony was hiding behind them. I looked at each one of the walls and nothing was out of the ordinary from what I could tell. “Would you stop looking for the spy he’s right there.” She pointed in my direction. Twilight’s friends exchanged worried looks with each other until finally paying her no mind.

Rarity smiled and stood up. “It’s really more of a dance, if you ask me.” She brushed her mane back, slowly perusing one of the laser, her hooves moved in time with the lasers. Her body spun around, gently gliding around the first laser. She bowed her head gracefully letting a laser swoop right over her mane without touching it. Rarity brought her four hooves together and spun around while five lasers moved around her without ever getting close to reaching her. She took a large hoof step to the right; avoided the laser that passed through her last location. Her front hooves pushed against the ground and she stood on her back hooves while three more lasers came near her. Rarity took a few hoof steps to the left while the lasers traced the floor around her. She landed on all four hooves, then bowed while another two lasers went over her head.

My jaw was on the floor. You’ve got to be kidding me. She’s dancing through the lasers! That’s kind of cool.

Rarity slid along the ground and threw her hair back. The end of her hair hit what I counted as the twenty fifth laser. She stomped her hoof against the ground with the most irritated look on her face. “I was so close darling! Maybe I need to dust off my ballroom dancing skills.” Twilight could only smile at her results. I trotted over to her, taking interest in the briefcase, noticing how it kept track of how far the others had gotten. It was a little surprising to see Rarity get the closest to beating the Pinkie Laser Grid System. I guess she’s just as amazing as she is beautiful. “If you don’t mind me asking dear, however are we supposed to get through here when there’s no set pattern?”

Lesson learned; don’t judge a book by its cover.

“That’s just it, you’re not supposed to. It’s designed so that no pony can get through it. Even if they do they couldn’t get through it a second time,” Twilight chimed to them with a tired smile. She, like me, needed some decent sleep. Seriously, you can only watch a mare type at a screen for so long before you want to try to find a way out of here. Dear sweet Celestia please say this is almost the end.

“That’s a mighty fine system Twi.” Applejack tipped her hat at Twilight.

Rarity took one look at the brief case’s screen. I swear that’s something out of a spy ponies hand book. “It’s wonderful, elegant, graceful and most of all, daring.” Twilight blushed and scratched her mane.

“I got the idea from Pinkie Pie’s random sense of nature and her pinkie sense.” I looked up from the screen noticing Pinkie was trying to dance through the lasers. My attention went back to the screen. “It’s programmed to move at random and avoid using predictable motion patterns.”

“I did it!”

We all looked up and our jaws dropped. WHAT! Pinkie Pie … she … the other end of the … the lasers … she did it! Twilight blinked and looked at her friends. They all shared the same reaction. Rarity giggled giving Twilight a nudge, “Pinkie sense.” Spike came up from behind Twilight and closed her jaw.

The world felt ripped away from me while everything blurred together.

The Dead Eye Score

Chapter Thirteen: The Dead Eye Score

I tugged at the sleeve on my tan suit while walking out of the restaurant. Daring was somewhere behind me probably still getting ready. A loud crack from the sky made me look up.

A large red flare was fired high into the sky just before it exploded into dozens of smaller red flares. Several other colored flares were sent up that turned into large designs once they exploded. Colors rain down from the sky while one of the explosions erupted into the shape of a pony.

I kept moving and trotted past a large fountain that spouted water high into the air. My eyes were drawn to it. With some time to spare I strode over to the fountain placing my fore hooves on the cold stone railing surrounding it. Lights from the fireworks seemed to dance around my reflection. I tapped the railing with my hoof and moved away from the fountain while another set of water shot up into the air.

“This place sure is colorful at night.”

I stopped at the entrance of the Redemption Casino staring straight up at the top floor. This casino has it all, night club on the top floor, dining room on the fourth floor, I think it has a comedy club on the third floor and everything else is set up for gamblers. It also has all the unicorn slaves you could possibly want. Time to do what I do worst, gamble. I trotted inside the casino.

Machines dinged all around me, each one making me wish I had some earplugs, while I scoped the area out. Several ponies were already trotting out after losing a fortune at the slots. Some of the more lucky players were walking out with a few bags of gems. I’m hoping we’re going to walk out with enough money to pay off the others.

Venturing further into the room I took a look into a mirror set up near the restroom. Damn, I am in love with this suit! Rusty needs to give me his tailor’s number. My eyes went to the phone that had been strapped to my fore hoof. It looked like something out of a comic book. The thing went perfectly around my fore hoof like a watch that also had a touch screen built into it. Probably the only time I would get to use one of these since it was expensive as hell. Plus the last part of the plan involved me ditching it. I wondered what the startup cost for this job was.

Another glance at the door had me noticing more ponies gathering inside with each passing minute. Once I took in one more deep breath to regain my composure I went to work. One of the slot machines caught my attention. Maybe just one game. My horn was about to light up. No. I have a job to do. My hooves kept moving while I got the feel for the first floor.

The phone vibrated. A floorplan took up half the screen revealing all the entrances I could use. I didn’t really need it, but it was better to have it just in case.

“That game was rigged anyway,” a stallion next to me grumbled. His hoof smacked the machine’s side. Just as he turned his attention to me I looked away pretending to not have noticed a thing.

I found my way to the bar area and they had … Sweet Celestia, the biggest collection of Apple Whiskey around. Oh, and they also had Sweet Celestia, apparently that’s also a bottle of whiskey.

My jaw dropped, the rest of my body went into autopilot; I did the only thing I could do in my mesmerized state. Take a seat. I want that one … and that one … Daring might like that one. The bartender was a zebra. “Pegasus Breed,” I ordered politely. Can’t go wrong with a classic. The zebra set the bottle in front of me while I slid the bits his way, making sure to also include a few in his tip jar.

Around the room the lights dimmed letting the lights on the slot machines illuminate the area like neon lights from a glider. They all started to dim, then as if on cue, relight to the beat of the music playing around the floor. I actually recognized the song. It was by a mare named Sweetie Belle. Her last song actually.

Han should be in the guard room right now making sure the cameras are down in the jail cell. Oceans and Rusty are probably prepping the drill. Just need War and Daring to get here then we can put everything into motion. “That is some mare.” There wasn’t any time for that. Even the look on my face told the zebra I wasn’t interested. He pointed a hoof at the entrance. I turned around skeptical.

Damn … Daring actually looked nice. She had on a sparkling red dress that just made you want to keep your attention on her. Her mane was groomed. Pinned up. It almost looked as nice as Celestia and Luna’s mane style. Almost.

The bartender trotted off to another customer while my fore hoof vibrated. I looked down at the picture taking up part of the screen. It was Han. I answered. “Hey, Runner the cameras are down. Let Rusty know,” Han muttered just loudly enough for me to hear. I hung up, tapping the number Rusty had given to me in the process, he answered right away.

“Han’s brought the cameras down. We’re starting the plan now.” I hung up.

I felt a hoof hit my back just as a sharply dressed gun slinger, who no longer looked like a gun slinger, took a seat with me. War sure knows how to sneak up on people. “Don’t look so nervous.” I am not nervous. I looked down at my leg. It was shaking uncontrollably almost like I was about to have an anxiety attack. Focusing on something else, anything that came to mind which ended up being engines, my leg stopped moving.

This is actually the first time I’ve ever pulled a job like this out in the open now that I think about it. Everything job prior to this one were all done at night or at least during heavy storm to use the rain as cover. Not to mention most of my jobs were low key compared to this. Only two ponies were required to pull it off. This, however similar it may be, was on a different scale with pony’s lives at stake.

You know something had been bothering me since I met this stallion. Well, more like ever since I had listened to the plan. “Why are you doing this? Yeah, I’m pretty sure you said to help better Equestria, but since when do ponies actually do good things for the sake of being good anymore?” War chuckled and stared up at the wall of whiskey. I think even he thought it was a beautiful sight to behold.

“It’s simple actually,” War mused. “I remember there was a time when ponies could do things for each other without expecting any kind of reward.” Yeah like two hundred years ago. Times have changed, sadly. “I believe that ponies can still live with that kind of lifestyle. It’s just a matter of dealing with the big problems like King Sombra.” I nodded. Yeah, but there’s more than just one problem. War cleared his throat and ordered a drink. “See when the princesses up and disappeared all kinds of problems followed. Now if you were to stack all of Equestria’s problems they’d form a tower like one of those games at the carnival.” You mean one of those rigged ones that’s nearly impossible to win and takes your money. Silver Shoe’s ‘No Pony’s A Winner’ game came to mind. Put her out of your head Runner, you’re on a job. Don’t let emotion get in the way.

“King Sombra is one of the biggest problems so we’d put him at the bottom of this metaphorical tower,” War made gestures with his hooves, acting like he was stacking a tower of cups. “What happens when you take out the biggest problem first?” I shook my head. No idea. “It all topples down. You take out Sombra then you let the police deal with the small issues afterwards.” That makes sense. Although it’s a lot more complicated than that, just trying to be realistic about this. Ugh, I sound like my mother.

I nodded. “Just remember this,” he insisted. “If you ever have the chance to help Equestria, you should do it. You should feel obligated to help.”

Never really thought of it that way. I’d have to give that some thought. So far the major problems in Equestria are the infected, the mass murders and King Sombra. If Equestria didn’t have those problems I bet it could go back to the way it was. That would still take time though, especially without a known princess being around. “It seems crazy when you say it out loud, but once those problems go away everything will turn out for the better,” War uttered slowly trailing off.

War got up mentioning he was going to start taking the casinos money. I waved a hoof at him. I just needed to wait. My turn in the plan didn’t come until later. I took a drink from my Pegasus Breed and looked up. Han was right in front of me wearing a bartender’s uniform. He spoke with his exotic accent, “You look surprised, did I not say I was a master of disguises?” I chuckled. Now that I thought about it Han probably had to keep that accent while he was in here.

Something else was on my mind about this guy. What kind of dance was he doing yesterday? I voiced my question to him. “It is not a dance, it is a form, a martial art known as Calenbra,” he intoned with irritation. I could see why, I had insulted his martial art form.

I apologized profusely for my comment. Han nickered. “My specific home trained foals in a style with a heavy emphasis on heavy strikes that requires use of your momentum to keep the body agile.” That’s neat. I didn’t know that zebras learned certain styles that were based on location. And now that I thought about it I kind of wanted to know how he became part of work like this.

I asked. Han chuckled and looked around. He leaned in close. “This kind of work, I have always been drawn to it, has a knack for attracting me. Similar, I have noticed, to you and reading.” I blushed a little at that. Was my love for reading that obvious to people? “Dead Eye’s money would have been mine a long time ago if not for the laser grid system.” Thirty six lasers. Constantly in motion. Only beaten once. Twilight Sparkle out did herself when she made that system.

“This is going to be my last job for a while though,” I looked at him wondering why, “Once upon a time I threw an entire crew under an autowagon just to take everything.” What the hell’s an autowagon? Apparently living in a District means living under a rock. Damn that place. “This kind of work bears down on you, either now or later, but this time I do it for the right reasons. After tonight I’ll be rich in more ways than one.” That’s actually a good way to look at it. Doing something good just for the sake of doing it. This guy sure has had a change of heart from wherever he was back then. “One more thing, do not call me for thirty minutes.” He dove down under the counter coming back up with a guard uniform on. Han put his helmet on and brought the visor down.  I looked at the mare while Han trotted away, it was ten thirty now. The zebra trotted off while I got up. It’s time to get working.

I trotted over to the railing enclosing most of the bar area. It didn’t take long to find Daring. She stood out like a sore hoof and it wasn’t because of the dress. A small crowd had gathered around her cheering her on while she beat the dealer at a game of blackjack. She was doing her job, doing quite a damn good job of earning tons of bits from what I could see. I looked around for War until I found him at one of the machines. He was doing some sort of pattern with the slots, but I had no idea why. War inserted one coin, counted a couple of times, then inserted his next coin, doing this until the he reached the bet limit. With one gentle pull of the lever the desperado poker player stood up, cheering, when hundreds of bits came pouring out. He wasn’t that good at acting, but it was enough to fool the ponies around him.

I couldn’t help but smile at that. In retrospect he probably should have taught me how to do that with the machines. A pony leaned against the railing next to me. “And how are you enjoying your stay here mister?” I turned my attention to the stallion who spoke with a rather strong confident tone. He was wearing a charcoal black suit over his light grey coat. The stallion adjusted his tie. I told him my name. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Runner. I’m Dead Eye, the owner of this fine establishment.” In my defense when I said something bad was probably going to happen I was joking.

COME ON, CELESTIA! Why do you hate me?

“I won? I won! I just put the bit in there and won!” Some mare stood up shouting right next to War. Looks like we have a few winners tonight. Please let me be one of them! Come on Luna! Make me a winner tonight.

Both of us started looking out at all of the ponies here. So far I was one of three ponies in the bar area. The other two were, obviously, the owner and some other stallion passed out drunk. “Can I be of any personal assistance this evening?” This guy’s our mark? Really? He doesn’t seem that bad. Then again he’s supposed to be Sombra’s right hoof … I should still be careful. Remember Runner, be confident. You’re a high roller right now. Be confident. Speak with confidence.

I thought about his question nodding politely. “Actually, yes, yes you can. Tell me something. How does a stallion keep a casino as grand as this open for as long as you have?” Dead Eye ran a hoof through his black mane. From the look on his face it looked like no pony asks him that question very often.

He hummed while giving me a smile. “It’s all about knowing what goes on inside of your casino at all times. For instance, I have one stallion here that hasn’t so much as touched a machine since he got here.” That guy sounds like a real jerk. Probably a bitch that can’t … oh he’s talking about me. In that case, he’s probably some thief trying to find a home to call his own with ponies that appreciate him. Just a small simple goal that will probably take him a while to accomplish.

I chuckled at him turning my focus to Daring. “I’m just here to support my friend over there and drink your Pegasus Breed. By the way you keep those bottles pretty chilled, I like that.” Dead Eye looked over at Daring. I have to admit, if I didn’t already know she was rigging the games in her favor, I wouldn’t even know she was cheating. That poker face of hers was just a solid stone wall!

Dead Eye just stood next to me keeping his eyes on her. “We’ve got more than just gambling you know, please, let me show you the club.” Sure. Keeping this guy busy needs to be my number one priority right now. I left the railing and followed him to the stairs. “Back to your question. Runner, there is seldom an event that goes on in these walls without me knowing about it. You should also know every employee and their back ground.” This guy’s a freaking machine. He knows all of his … I’ve got to test this out.

“Tell me about Han.”

He looked at me questioningly while I insisted he answer the question. “Han, real name Xtelth, he’s an average worker. He clocks in and out on time every day, he even comes back from his break on time.” Nice. Although I’m surprised his background check didn’t reveal him as a criminal. Guess that means he hasn’t been caught once! No wonder he was recruited by War. “Why do you ask?”

We reached the fifth floor with just enough time to see some performers finish singing one of Sapphire Shore’s best songs. The music changed and the orange lights shining down on the stage lit up dark blue.  “I just happen to be an acquaintance of his. Thought I’d ask.” I took a seat in the front row with Dead Eye. We were staring at that performers while they went through their routine. Each perform had some overly done costume with sapphire blue feathers poking out in every direction. I’m willing to bet that everyone performing a Sapphire Shore’s song has to wear a ridiculous outfit like that! They looked good!

We listened to the rest of the set, which was only two more songs, I checked my phone noticing it had only been about six minutes since I last checked the time. Shit. I need to get back to the others. “Mr. Runner have you ever been part of a high stakes Blitz game?”

“You don’t want me to be a part of a high stakes anything.”

Dead Eye chuckled turning his full attention to me. I kept my eyes on the performers, but that didn’t help my anxiety go down, He was still looking at me. My eyes never went away from the performers, but I could feel his red eyes staring at me. Almost like they were burning into me. “Please join me at the Blitz table tonight, I insist. Oh, and the first rounds on me.” He handed me a roll of bits for the slots. I looked at Dead Eye. My confidence was slipping away. Fast. Just being near this guy was giving me uneasy feelings all over.

I politely nodded. Dead Eye shook my hoof before leaving to go greet a group of unicorn ponies. My attention went straight to the time. It was time to go. First thing I did was make a break for the staircase. I galloped down the stairs all the way back down to the first floor. Instead of listening to the wonderful singers upstairs I was brought back to the sounds of ponies losing to mixture of machines dinging.

Dozens upon dozens of ponies had gathered inside the casino and this time Daring wasn’t anywhere to be seen. War had disappeared to. This wasn’t good. Not good at all. We need to stick to the plan. My eyes darted around the crowd looking for a sparkling red dress and a not-so-trigger-happy gunslinger. A few ponies drunkenly bumped into me while passing the bar area.

Han wasn’t anywhere to be seen either. Probably in the security room doing whatever else he needs to do. I found a slot machine that put me close to the center of the room. I opened the small package of bits taking a look at the stallion printed on the bit. It was a custom made casino bit with a stallion embedded in the center, its eyes glowed dark red while I slid the coin into the machine. My eyes scanned the surrounding area while I pulled the lever down.

Ding. Ding. Ding.

Two bells and a cherry stopped on the screen.

Yeah, screw you to. I loaded another bit inside the machined and pulled the lever. The images on the screen started blurring together while I kept my eyes glued to it.

Ding.

I found War.

Ding.

I found Daring.

Ding.

There were security guards sitting close to me. I hadn’t noticed them until now. I chuckled. Probably just Han being a punk to me. I half expected that zebra to put his hoof on me and say ‘I’m arresting you for conspiring against my boss,’ or give me some hilarious one liner. I took a glance at where War and Daring were at.

They were sitting at some slot machines a bit further down. War emptied some of his winnings into Daring’s saddle bags without any other pony noticing. Once they were emptied War pulled the lever on his machine winning the jackpot, again. The guards sitting next to me got up slowly closing in on me. I could see their reflections in the stainless steel guard rail behind my machine. They reached my machine and jumped over the guard rail in front of it.

One of them stopped, turned around and flipped their visor up at me, it was Han. Him and his small team of four guards galloped over to War looking his machine over. They accused him of cheating right away, but couldn’t find the bits he had won. War bucked one of them in the stomach attempting to gallop to the emergency exit. One of the guards sprang up from around the corner, knocking him back over to his machine. The guard that had been bucked tossed a set of hoof cuffs around War’s fore hooves.

Daring inserted the bet limit into her machine and lost it all. She was keeping her role as a high roller very convincing. Han was the one to check her out, but instead of signaling to have her arrested he gave the other guards the signal to leave her be. Once they made sure War’s cuffs were on tight, Han pulled him up. War lit up his horn only to have Han instinctively jab a precise hoof strike into his neck making him hit the ground paralyzed. Han pulled him back up. The other guards helped drag the body over to a metal door that they only had access to. Han slid a card into the door’s access panel making it open right up. They disappeared inside and the door slammed shut behind them.

I put the rest of the bits inside of my suit jacket’s pocket. Daring continued playing the slots while I walked over to her. My eyes were now alert for guards. I sat next to Daring and she slid something inside my pocket almost so subtly I wouldn’t have noticed. It was a card. Daring leaned next to me, “Han said the guards reactivated the cameras. It’s just him and those other guys that took War. We need you to go deactivate the cameras. Just use the card then get out of the security room. Take a right when you enter that door.” This isn’t part of the plan, but alright. I hate it when a well-crafted plan falls apart. With a reluctant groan I got up and trotted over to the metal door that Han had used. First thing I did before getting any closer was keep an eye out for Dead Eye.

I approached the door sliding Han’s access card inside the control panel. My eyes went down to the card. It wasn’t even Han’s card, it was the bartenders. I thought back to when Han had showed up. He must have taken it then. The door opened with a metallic hiss. I galloped inside while pulling the son of bitch behind me until it locked shut.

The walls were like the inside of a hospital. It had a dull blue line separating two grey halves of the wall and stretched off in two different directions. One went straight ahead and the other to the right. Daring said go to the right, so I galloped in that direction. My hooves carried me down the long hallway until I reached a couple of doors. Ah, crap. Which one do I go into? I looked at the windows but lights were off inside most of the rooms. There was one door at the end of the hall so I picked that one.

It opened with a creak.

Computers stretched along every wall with video from each security camera showing me everything that was going on. Some of them showed the status of each slot machine! I trotted over to some cameras that showed the unicorn slaves in the jail cell below. You know what, I could just be taking a shot in the dark here, but I bet that Dead Eye has been accusing unicorns of cheating to get them into those cells. My question is how could they catch them in the act. It’s not like there’s any pony in here. I sat down in a chair and spun around making sure no pony was going to ambush me.

Let’s see.

We’ve got a slot right here. I inserted the access card into a slot and a few options came up on the screen in front of me. It didn’t take long for me to find the option that would disable the cameras. I was about to hit the button, but stopped. Han walked onto the screen with the other guards. They threw War into a cell all to himself. Han motioned for the guards to leave before following them out. Something was on the ground. I zoomed in feeling my heart sink at the sight of the key War needed lying on the ground outside his cell.

“Crap.”

War’s eyes shot open. It didn’t take him long to notice where the key had landed. His horn started to light up and then stopped. The bars around the cage glowed lightly before dimming back down. It was one of those anti-magic cages like the one Brave Day had in her mine. He put his flank against the door swinging his tail around. It swished back and forth trying to sweep the damn key over to his cell. Left. Left. You’re other left! Right. Come on War, focus! I don’t have time to stay for this.

Those guards would be here soon, I needed to move.  I tapped my hoof against the keyboard repeatedly. The cameras were disabled and I also found a little something interesting. There was a loop feature. So I played whatever footage the cameras had caught that day. From what I could tell it was a day worth of footage to go through. I got ready to gallop away. Something came to mind though. My hooves went back to the keyboard and I had every security camera replay everything that happened so far today. Have fun with that you guys.

I galloped out of there making sure to leave the access card behind. I wouldn’t need it anymore. The doors flung open and I was on my way to the metal door. My ears perked up listening carefully for voices. I didn’t hear anything. I just kept running. Once I was at the door I pushed it open and slid out without any pony noticing me. Thank Celestia!

Daring had moved away from the slots. I galloped off to find her. Almost forgot to do something important. I hit Rusty’s number and put the phone close to my ear. Rusty answered the phone. “Hey, prep the drill,” I insisted. “War’s in the cell.” I hung up. Now to get this heist wrapped up.

I found Daring at the Blitz table after she had won a game. It hadn’t taken her long to do that. My flank found the nearest seat and I plopped down next to Daring. She gave me her confident smile. “Twenty five thousand down, seventy five thousand to go.” We were making progress, but it wasn’t fast enough. Not when the heist was almost wrapped up. The Blitz players cursed her name a few times before they left. She stretched a little and turned her attention to me, “Do me a favor and get the most expensive drink they have.”

I rolled my eyes, “Anything else?”

She rolled out a gem from her bag staring at her reflection. “How do I look?”

Ugh … words … say words … something … anything … speak to her … say she looks good … Runner, words!

“Dazzling.” Daring turned my head to the bar and pointed to it. I’ll go get her that drink. I trotted off to the bar.

No sign of Dead Eye yet. That was a good thing for us. I don’t like running into him. I only did it once, but that guy just makes me incredibly uneasy. Once I reached the bar I looked for the most expensive bottle the casino had. It was at the top although I couldn’t even make out the name. Han popped up in a bartender’s uniform. Okay, he’s got to teach me how to do that. “Get me the most expensive drink.” Han nodded and set it down in front of me. He gave me a salute then sank back down behind the bar. I looked around before stretching my neck up a little. He’s gone! I looked around but Han wasn’t anywhere to be found.

My horn lit up bringing the drink back to the Blitz table. I just realized he gave me that drink for free. Score!

My walking slowed to the point I was barley moving. Dead Eye was talking to Daring. “You know I don’t like to lose either, Dead Eye, that’s why I go winning, not gambling, but since you’re asking me to join your game in the flesh then I guess I’ll play,” she spoke brimming full of confidence. Daring shot him the most confident smile I had seen yet. I smiled to. That look was the one she gave ponies when she knew how to play a game very well. This was one of those games. I didn’t need to ask her to find that out. That look said it all.

“If it isn’t my other Blitz player,” Dead Eye uttered waving me over. Well it looks like I’m stuck in this game now. “You two wait here, I’m going to find my other players and bring them along.” Dead Eye trotted off giving orders to one of his guards.

I kept my attention on Dead Eye and his guard until they disappeared up the stairs. Ugh. I feel uneasy. A sharp chill went up my spine making me shiver a little. “So what’s the plan Daring?” I looked at her setting the drink down. She took in a long deep breath then exhaled.

Daring had a plan. In fact the way she was looking at me told me she had a lot more to this plan than I knew about. I think she wanted Dead Eye’s attention. She was clearing her mind of distractions like I was. “I’m going to win the rest of our money by beating the house. This time the house isn’t winning.” I nodded at that. Daring took a drink becoming more relaxed. I was feeling relaxed just being next to her.

“One of us isn’t exactly good at gambling.”

Daring looked into my eyes with a smile, “Don’t worry. This game is more about luck and bluffing. Plus this is my game.” And I’m guessing no pony beats Daring at her game. She gave me a nod and looked at the clock. It was eleven. Whatever Han had been doing he was done now. I didn’t need to call him, but it was nice knowing I could if I needed to. “If you get good cards just knock right away.” I actually knew how to play this game, thank Celestia. Oak Tree had taught me and Silver Shoe, once upon a time. We stopped playing it after a while, but I still remembered how to play.

Without much time to spare she explained a few more tips on how to see if a pony was bluffing or not. I practiced staring at her, but her freaking stone wall face just wouldn’t give! Dead Eye sat down at the table before we were joined by two other mares and a stallion. The embedded gem stones in their suits blinded me every time they shifted in their seats.

“Alright every pony, let’s get down to business,” Dead Eye said eying everypony at the table. Something was bumping my leg. I looked down and saw a bag sitting in my chair. Without a second thought I opened it up on the table letting four ocean blue gem stones glide onto the tabletop. Daring grouped three gorgeously shining dark purple gemstones. The others set their own respective gems that match their eyes. Grassy green, gold yellow, midnight blue and dark red. Dead Eye shuffled the cards letting the stallion sitting next to him cut the deck. He started tossing out the cards one by one while I took a quick glance at the guards taking the unicorn group I saw before beyond the metal door.

Why is it that only unicorns are caught cheating? It’s giving us a bad name. Oh, and I’m willing to bet there are more than just unicorns trying to cheat here.

I looked at the other players and noticed that aside from me and Dead Eye there was only one other unicorn mare. Once my cards were slapped down in front of me I took them in my hooves keeping them hidden from every pony else. “Ding. Ding. Ding,” Daring titled her head side to side, slapping her cards down with finesse. We all tossed one of our gemstones into a small dish at the center of the table. “I thought the house always won?” Her stone poker face turned into a sly almost sultry grin while she pushed her cards back to Dead Eye.

The next few rounds brutally dragged on. It was almost as if we were watching paint dry, but albeit a bit more entertaining. Surprisingly, Daring and Dead Eye managed to keep all of their gemstones while I was struggling to hold on with my last two. Not surprising; Dead Eye managed to hold on with just three stones. The other players had gotten each other down to one more gem which had boosted my confidence in this game by a lot!

My eyes stared down at the casino chips printed on the cards. I had twenty one in total. Daring and Dead Eye kept exchanging glances with one another. My leg wanted to start bouncing. The other players were all staring at my cards trying to figure if they should knock or go another turn. I scratched the back of my mane making the unicorn mare knock. My eyes looked straight at hers. My cards fell on the table with every pony else’s. Daring and Dead Eye each had twenty five and twenty six respectively. Somehow I was one of four other players holding twenty one in their hooves.

The other players groaned tossing their last gem into the dish. Dead Eye chuckled while reaching into his jacket pocket. “Don’t feel down,” he gave them each a casino bit, “the slots are on me.” Each of those casino bits were worth ten thousand bits together. I stole a glance at their bits taking observation of the eyes in the other gamblers bits.

Green, not red. Ah, that’s cool. I guess the casino bits all have different eye colors to represent their value. Can’t remember how many bits mine were worth though. I think I still have a couple left. My second to last gem was tossed into the dish while the unicorn mare counted up all of her bits. Most of hers had the same glowing red eyes that mine had.

Dead Eye started shuffling the cards again. With the way things were looking Daring and I might be able to take the house with more than enough gems to pay off those other two. My hoof started vibrating. I lowered the volume, slowly holding the device up to my ear while I tapped the screen. Loud thumping noises mixed with growls came from the other end.

Sounds like Rusty’s got some restroom problems. Ugh. There’s some thoughts I don’t need in my head ever again.

I hung up and looked at Daring. “Sounds like our friends got some problems. I should go,” and help them out! From the sound of it, Rusty was fighting with a bloater, a big bloater at that. Dead Eye cleared his throat nudging his muzzle down at my seat. His guard insisted I stay put a little longer.

Apparently, I’m staying … jerk. Daring’s stone wall face finally broke and she was annoyed, very, very annoyed. “Runner, when you get the chance,” she started shuffling the cards, “go get me another drink.” I cut the deck for her and she tossed the cards out. Dead Eye looked at his cards then showed us a blitz. My last gem went into the dish allowing me to leave. Okay, first ditch the suit then let’s break for the sewer system.

*** ***

Rushing water echoed in every direction while I vaulted over an overgrown pipe. My hooves carried me through the tunnel system like a rat through a labyrinth. The saddle bags strapped to my back rattled and bumped around while I got closer to the sounds of heavy gunfire going on. I tried giving Han a call, but the zebra never answered, sadly this wasn’t the time for him to be silent. He never answered any of my three calls. I am going to give him such a smack in the face for not getting back to me.

“AREGH!”

A clicker stumbled in front of me and I unloaded my pistol’s clip right into the damn things head. Good thing these things are feral and too far gone to be pony anymore. It collapsed into the stream getting washed away shortly after. I ran up a large cement slab turning left up another one. The gunfire got louder, so did the thumping sounds that started shaking the wall around me. I really hope I’m wrong about what’s up around this turn. I took cover behind the wall peeking out into the open room.

“GET DOWN!”

KA-BOOM!

Rusty tackled me behind the drill as an orange toxic gas filled the air around us. My horn lit up and my gas mask strapped tightly to my muzzle. I took in a huge breath of air, exhaled then, turned to Rusty who was desperately trying to prevent himself from inhaling anymore spores. My hoof went into my saddle bags and I pulled out a rag that I immediately shoved against his mouth before he could open it. The spore cloud rose up as if giving Rusty permission to breathe. He gasped for air leaning against the overgrown drill. “There was bucking bloater sleeping in one of the tunnels.” Freaking drill woke it up. It had to be one of these things. Alright, how do I stop it?

Another fungus pumpkin bomb came flying through the air.

“ROLL!”

Rusty pulled me down into a pit.

KA-BOOM!

I could hear Rusty sucking in all the air he could before the spores came pouring over our bodies. An insufferable ringing filled my ears making me put my hoof against one of them. Rusty’s face and muzzle started turning a bright shade of red. He started beating the ground with his hoof. My horn lit up shifting my gas mask to Rusty’s muzzle.  He inhaled while I kept my mouth shut.

My hoof went to a sniper rifle lying next to Rusty. I climbed out of the pit and leaned my back against the edge. Alright. How do I work one of these things? First thing I did was lean the butt of it back into my shoulder. I put my eye to the scope carefully moving the gun so that it was pointing at the hulking infected’s back. My horn lit up and pulled out two small legs near the end of the rifle. I pulled the trigger.

CRACK!

A single bullet went right over the bloaters head. I got ready for another shot. My lungs started to burn like Celestia’s scorching hot sun. My back hooves began shaking, ready to collapse. I looked through the scope aiming for the bombs on its back. Weaponized nature is scary shit.

CRACK!

Another shot missed. Come on. I can do this. My lungs were yelling at me. I checked the ammo clip to find I only had one bullet left. If I could have taken a deep breath, I would have, but my better instants told my lungs to shut up. My hoof pulled the trigger. AND I MISSED! The bloater ripped a bomb from its back, flinging it straight at me.

OH SHIT!

I pulled my legs in and fell back down into the pit.

KA-BOOM!

The sniper rifle clattered against the ground. I rolled against the wall feeling a burning pain go through my leg while I face planted into the ground. Rusty put my gas mask over my muzzle and I inhaled like I had never breathed air before. My tan friend pointed at my back leg. I tried to move it and- AGH! Pain was sent up my entire leg like a railroad spike being hammered into me. I pushed myself up and put some weight on it. I collapsed. Rusty tossed me a small medical kit. I went right for the bandage rags. I wasted no time wrapping the entire thing around my leg. My entire leg felt like it was burning, then it went cold. As if my leg had become a large sealed freezer.

Trying to put some more weight on my leg I slowly started to rise up. Thank you, Fluttershy! I kicked my leg back a little still feeling a little pain, but not enough to keep a pony down. Rusty and I climbed back out of the pit taking shelter behind the drill once again. I slid into my transparency spell. I could see Oceans keeping his distance from the bloater on the other side of the drill. Near the pipe I had entered in from was a bag filled with sticky bombs. My horn stopped glowing, everything was obscured; I looked at the other side of the room. There was a cement slab leading all the way up to a broken pipe.

I really don’t want to do this it has bad idea written all over it. “I’m going to lure that thing away. If I can find my way back over here I’ll come through that pipe there, so put as many sticky bombs as you can inside of it,” I pointed my hoof at my exit strategy. Rusty nodded and leaned against the drill while I stood up. My pistol was reloaded right away and I galloped over to the slab. I turn faced the bloater’s back while it was busy with Eleven Oceans. Three bullets fried from my pistol striking the bloater in the back close to where its explosives were. The bloater stopped. It slowly turned towards me with its eyes locking dead with mine with enough anger in them they caused my legs to wobble. I lined up my shot and fired. The bullet hit the bloater’s forehead.

Looks like Glider’s shooting tips were working after all.

The bloater gurgled up orange sludge letting it spill out on its body before thumping towards me with its sagging fungus. My hooves carried me up the slab while I fired a few rounds at the bloater to keep it interested in me. I turned and galloped right into an infected. It was an infected griffon! Its claws wrapped around me; I fell back, bucking the son of bitch in the stomach before it had the chance to take a bite at any part of me. I unloaded my ammo into the griffon while a large shadow fell over me. I looked up. Feeling my heart float up into my throat, I galloped away from the hulking infected squeezing its way into the pipe.

“AREGH!”

“AREGH!”

Two more infected came running at me from the other side of the pipe. One of which blended in with the darkness! I rolled, ducking under the first one while the other dove towards me tackling me near a small opening in the wall. My pistol found a nice comfy spot inside of its mouth. I pulled the trigger. It clicked twice.

Damn it, Celestia!

I bucked the creatures soft fungus covered stomach making it stumble away from me. Something squishy hit my head making me look at what it was. An orange pumpkin.

OH CRAP!

I propelled myself through the hole in the wall and part of it crumbled down on top of me while I fell straight down. My back hit the top of some machine with a loud whack while I rolled off of it hitting the ground. “My … back.” I groaned in pain, feeling jolts of paralyzing irritation shoot all around my lower back, with my body helplessly stretched out on the cold floor. Finding the strength to turn my head was becoming an impossible mission all in itself. I couldn’t hear the infected anymore. With any luck the bomb either scared them away or took them out. I was hoping for the latter option.

Thumping noises continued to shake the pipe above me. I turned to a puddle of water watching it ripple. Each ripple that came after came faster than the last. My fore hooves tried to push me up. I didn’t work. Come on.

Get up.

Please!

My fore hooves started lifting my body up, inch by inch, sending waves of anguish surging through my entire body. The only thing that wasn’t hurting was my bandaged leg. Fluttershy deserves a big hug for making these.

My legs started shaking as I crept forward, crawling, away from the machine I had landed on. It collapsed with an ear shattering metallic crunch against the bloater’s heavy exterior that drained the color from my face. Chunks of cement from the pipe hit the puddle and a water main causing it to bust open sending water gushing everywhere. The bloater thumped towards me dragging a dead infected body with it.

I did my best to focus my magic on my gun, letting it unload in the bloater’s direction. Every shot missed. I couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn with that kind of aiming! My shaking hooves guided me out only door in the room back into a pipe. I pushed myself up with tremendous struggle, trying to gallop towards the light, but my entire body screamed in protest. If only I could get my hooves on another package of bandage rags. My eyes went down to the rags around my back hoof. I bit down on it, tearing most of it off, freeing my hoof from restraint. The door I had just came through collapsed, the bloater smashing open part of the wall making an even larger exit in its wake.

I wrapped the ripped bandage fragments around the rest of my hooves letting their healing power go to work. One hoof went in front of the other and after a couple of stumbles I was galloping right towards my exit. Pain was still going through my body, but the rags managed to suppress most of my injuries, making them bearable for the time being. The thumping slowly faded behind me while I trotted out of the exit. “Are the bombs ready?” I frantically looked around eyeing a couple of bombs set up around the pipe. Rusty was still placing bombs around the entrance. He shook his head.

T-That’s okay. No big deal. I just have to … go all the way up and fall down and then get back here.

My heart skipped a beat.

I motioned for the two earth ponies to hide. The moment they jumped into another pipe the bloater came charging out of my previous exit. I unloaded my ammo clip into that rampaging freak of nature. It kept thumping right for me un-phased. I galloped up the slab and reloaded my pistol. That freak of nature was getting faster. It put one giant slimy hoof down on of the slab and pulled itself up an inch from my face! I shoved my pistol right into its forehead. I UNLOADED EVERYTHING! That only managed to piss it off even more.

My hooves galloped into the pipe, thankfully I was starting to out run the bloater. One of the infected that had gotten caught in the explosion was starting to push itself up. A fungus bomb went by my head just before I dove through the makeshift exit in the pipe.

KA-BOOM!

The resulting explosion ripped apart whatever was left of the infect griffon. I landed on top of the crushed machine. The screaming aches in my legs were starting to get louder. My legs were practically screaming at me to stop. I was ready to collapse. More thumping sounds caught my attention while several fungus bombs fell out of the pipe above me. I had just enough time to look up. My hooves sprinted as fast as I could possibly go before-

KA-BOOM!

KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM!

KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM! KA-BOOM!

Spores rained down towards me while I slammed one of the machines out of my way. My attention was focused on the rain cloud descending on me that I didn’t notice what was in front of me.

WHACK!

I hit my muzzle against a lever that tore my mask off in the process of me pushing myself away. The moment I dove out of the room, every spore came flooding out and I sucked in all the air I could. A sticky dense fog came rushing out after me but my hooves kept moving. I. Will. Not. Inhale. Any. Of. IT! COME ON, MOVE! The cloud of spores was at the tips of my back hooves!

The sound of my hooves clip-clopping against the ground echoed all around me while the bloater smashed the last part of the wall separating the room from the pipe. I could feel the hulking infected creature’s hot breath on my neck just as I galloped into the room with the drill. I turned and stared down the pipe. The bloater was charging full speed at me, “Blow the pipe!” Rusty pulled out his sniper rifle firing a single bullet at the wall of bombs. Every single sticky bomb hanging on the wall erupted in a beautiful display of fire.

Clouds of dust mixed together with spores while the pipe came crashing down. The bloater knocked a few bits of debris away just as the entire pipe collapsed down on top of it with a satisfying squishing sound. My hoof shielded my eyes from the mixture of spore dust. Wait. How long have I been holding my …

AIR!

AIR!

I NEED AIR!

My head frantically jerked around looking for somewhere I could breathe. I dove for the first thing I saw. The pit. I tumbled down into the darkness and opened my mouth, taking in every bit of fresh air I could get. “Clean air. Thank Celestia and every other princess out there.” I rested my head on a somehow comfortable rock. All I want to do now is close my eyes and sleep.

“Runner, everything okay down there,” Ocean’s called down the pit.

Oh, right. We’ve got unicorns to save and lots of them.

I climbed back up noticing the spores had gone into different pipes giving us all fresh air to breathe. Rusty Horseshoe leaned against the drill staring at the wall he was going to punch through. He looked at me. His eyes looked me over and he chuckled. “You look worse than we do.” I gave him a sarcastic laugh while slumping down against the ground. Oceans slid another medical kit over to me. And an energy drink with the label torn off. I tore the cap off and slurped the entire thing down.

“If you guys see Han, tell him I’m going to whop him on the head for not being here.”

Rusty and Oceans looked at each other. They had no idea where Han was either. Great. Make that a down right flank kicking. I wrapped my stomach with the new bandage rag.

*** ***

I levitated a drink next to me, making my way back to Blitz table, with my suit shining on me like I hadn’t just fought for my life. Han was put to the back of my mind. My hoof straightened my tie out a little. Daring and Dead Eye were still locked in what I assume had turned into more than one game. I hope I don’t smell like sewer, the last thing Rusty had said to me before leaving was that Daring didn’t like stallions smelling like sewer water and death. However now I’m beginning to wonder why he said it with a smile.

Some Old Stallion smell good spray fixed that for me.

“You truly are a wonderful gambler Daring Adventure.” Dead Eye slapped his last card down with a knock. A blind knock.

“I learned from the best.”

Daring flipped her cards over showing a total of twenty nine. Dead Eye had thirty. With a slight mumble, Daring tossed her second to last leafy green gemstone into the dish. My jaw dropped at the amount of gemstones that had been collected. They had been playing for just a couple of minutes and there was at least enough gems for five games. Daring cracked her fore hooves before gently resting them down on the table. “Tell you what Dead Eye, let’s make this our last game.” Dead Eye nodded slowly with a grin. “If you win I’ll give you everything I’ve won tonight, all seventy five thousand gemstones worth of bits, but if I win you’re going to give me one hundred thousand bits in gemstones.” The crowd around us looked at each other like she was crazy. My eyes widened a bit. She couldn’t be serious. It took her over an hour to get all of that.

Dead Eye locked eyes with her. He was mulling it over. The other gamblers that had lost were all here, except for the unicorn mare, which I was beginning to grow suspicious of. “You have a deal.” Dead Eye stacked the cards together and started shuffling. He had Daring cut the deck before he tossed her some cards.

I looked at Daring’s cards. She had twenty one. That’s not enough for a safe knock against the casino owner. My eyes went straight to Dead Eye’s cards. He had something. The grin on his face assured me of that. Dead Eye didn’t look up at us once. “Daaamn.”

“You’ve got nothing.”

Daring slapped her cards down.

“Did she just?” “Mare just lost everything.” “Learned from the best my flank.” The voices from the crowd were hushed whispers, but they sounded like ponies talking at a normal decibel. They all made me worried. I looked at Dead Eye and his jaw dropped. I couldn’t take waiting another second. I got up and moved behind Dead Eye so I could see his cards. My jaw almost dropped as well.

“I love how you called his bull shit.”

Daring leaned back in her chair that protested with a squeak. All she could do was grin at the crowd. This … mare … This mare is un-freaking-believable. Dead Eye cleared his throat, “Good game, but next time I’ll win.” Daring shot him a look that said to bring her the gems she won. I took a seat next to her and put her drink down.

Dead Eye looked at me then back at Daring. From the look on his face he had only lost a game of Blitz a few times in his life. I’m willing to bet his real life gambles always turned up positive as well. “Bring her the gemstones.” Dead Eye waved a reluctant hoof at one of his security ponies. They came back in three minutes flat with three large bags filled with gemstones. Daring smiled scooping the gems from the dish into her saddle bags.

My horn lit up and I trotted to the entrance while Daring pretended to tip her hat at the crowd. “Did I forget to mention, I don’t go gambling, I go winning.” Daring finished her whiskey in one drink. I snorted a little then chuckled while levitating the three bags out the door.

Once I was out the door I made a left, putting my focus at the fountain. Water erupted up into the air while a rainbow formed an arch from the casino all the way to the cold stone railing. My hooves came to a stop while water dripped down on my suit. A smile formed on my face. I’ll never get tired of that. The rainbow vanished ever so slowly as water went back down. I nodded my head and kept walking. Daring put her hoof around me while she stared down at the ground. Her confident grin had been replaced with a small smile.

One hundred seventy five thousand bits in gemstones.

She didn’t just beat the house, she took them for everything they had and then some. I pulled open the door to the restaurant, letting Daring go inside first, then floating the bags after her.

*** ***

After we dropped the bags off at the basement Daring and I returned to the slots. I still had a few of the casino bits Dead Eye gave me, figured I could waste some time before finishing up my role in the heist. Several ponies wearing bullet proof vests marched past us. “Blue team, move out!” The leader pointed at the door before the security team left in a hurry. Dang, even the armed forces come here to gamble and with such style and teamwork!

Shit, Dead Eye might be Sombra’s right hoof, but he knows how to run a casino. Kind of a shame he doesn’t just stick to doing this. A bit flipped around in my levitation field while I explained to Daring everything that went down in the pipe system.

My hoof started vibrating.

I looked at the screen seeing a message from Oceans telling me to ‘Make the call.’

My hoof tapped a number that could be used once with a voice change feature. It also included something that would wipe the phone clean after the call. That being said I had to make this call count. The number belonged to Dead Eye. He answered the phone, “Hello, who is this?” My eyes shifted around the room. Several guards were approaching my machine, like I was cheating. Wait a minute.

The bits. These bits are marked! The ones the mare had are just like mine. They have glowing red eyes. That’s how Dead Eye’s ‘catching’ all these unicorns cheating. There was another unicorn near the metal door playing the slots. My horn lit up allowing me to see the inside of the machine. The coin they inserted passed some sort of sensor causing it to start glowing. An alarm started to go off, but stopped.

I looked around the crowds and noticed no one had heard the quick alarm. “That’s not important, but what is important is that something you have is being stolen. So let me ask you, how does it feel knowing I’m the one stealing your casinos most valuable possession.” Daring pushed me forward. I walked away from the machine. We trotted past another slot machine and I put one of my last few glowing bits inside of the coin slot. I pulled the lever down. It hit the jackpot.

We went up the stairs while several guards trotted to where an alarm was going off. Daring smiled and trotted ahead. I could hear chatter going around on Dead Eye’s end. “You’re mistaken. All of my money is safe and sound.”

“I said I was stealing your most valuable possession. Not your money.”

There was a pause.

I could feel a grin on my face. Give him a second. My eyes went to the window, just outside I could see the train station. Unicorn stallions and mares were galloping into it. Just need to keep Dead Eye busy a bit longer. Some pony was speaking with Dead Eye about money, “fifty millions bits.” Oh, shit. Sounds like his night just got ruined even more. “Listen and listen well. You proved you can steal both my money and slaves. Congratulation’s, you’re now on my list.” I held the phone close to Daring’s ear, she scoffed.

Good thing we aren’t going to stay here for long.

We walked back down from the fifth floor arriving at the slots. I started putting every last marked bit into the machines. My horn lit up causing ten machines to go off at once. Dead Eye’s voice caught my attention, “I want you to do me one favor. Run, because when I find you I’m not going to be the corrupt casino owner that’s been greeting all the unicorns tonight. When I find you, I’m going to be your worst nightmare,” I put the phone in the trash. Rusty’s advice to me after he lent it to me was to ditch it in the trash. Dead Eye was probably tracking us now. “Hello?”

I levitate one more tracking bit up, my last one. My good looking friend pointed to a slot machine that had a five million gem jackpot. I slid the coin inside and pulled the lever. We walked away and the lights on the machine lit up with cool colors drawing every pony’s attention to it. Bits came crashing down on the seat while everypony scrambled to get some of the action.

I held the door open for Daring and we made our exit. Just before I walked out I took one last look at the ponies taking every bit they could get their hooves on. You know there’s something about giving back to ponies that gives me a warm feeling inside.

The door swung back into place, the cool night air brushed past my mane while I galloped after Daring, she was looking back at me. I rejoined her at the fountain then we stopped. Her head was turned to the fountain. I put my fore hooves on the stone railing just staring down at our reflections. “Bet you didn’t expect your big score to turn out like this,” Daring smiled shaking her head at me. Fireworks flew up into the air, exploding into dozens of beautiful red and orange colors, each one somehow more beautiful than the last. The colors turned green then blue a second later. Water from the fountain shot up into the air.

Daring let her mane down and brushed it back. Her eyes were stuck staring at the colors dancing on the water. She had something on her mind, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. I kept quiet, slowly scooting next to her. For a mare, who just the other day took all my stuff, she wasn’t that bad. Daring reached into her saddle bags before setting a bright pale gemstone down next to me. “I know it’s only worth about five thousand bits, but I hope this makes us even and was worth going through all this trouble.” I turned from the water looking at her. Another firework exploded in the air and half her face turned a slight shade of red.

My hoof went over to the gemstone before knocking it inside my saddle bags. Maybe it’s just the warm feeling talking, but even if I wasn’t being paid for this I wouldn’t mind. “It’s perfect,” I found myself saying softly. “We did it.” I smiled at her and we both moved away from the fountain while it shot water into the air with the sounds of fireworks going off.

*** ***

Daring walked out of the bathroom with her vest on, pith helmet tilted to the side. I won’t lie, she looked good in a dress, but this suits her way more. She gave me a hoof bump while we trotted down the stairs to the basement. The sound of War’s voice greeted us. “Han. Han, pick up the damn phone!” He tapped his hoof angrily against the ground. Daring and I looked at each other.

Rusty was busy tossing our plans along with the other equipment into an incinerator. Note to self, destroy all evidence after you’re done with a job, preferably with scorching hot flames of hellfire. Now that I think about it, how the hell did the police chief know to check my attic? Just forget about it.

My attention went back to Rusty who was taking a step back from the flames rising up. “Hey,” he called out to me, “we’re heading out in five. Grab any gear you want then let’s move out.” I gave him a nod noticing some hallways branching off from the room. Daring was grabbing some ammo along with every other weapon the others didn’t want. Better go find something before she loots it all.

The first door opened up with a bit of a struggle, but it was worth it. I found ammo! It was for a sniper rifle. I kicked it aside and kept looking around. Nothing. The next room had some pistol ammo with a couple of old newspaper articles that had most of the articles spray painted on. My hoof kicked them away. I trotted over to the last door. I pushed it open and hit the light switch. Everything remained dark. Wind whipped around outside sounding close. Like … really close. I looked up at a small open window.

“Shut up and keep quiet.”

I froze; slowly turning my head to the zebra sitting in the dark corner of the room. Han had a gun pointed at me with a silencer attached to it. His exotic accent was long gone for the night. The barrel of the gun was pointed at the door while Han nudged his head. I closed it. “What is this?”

“A blitz,” the barrel pointed back at me. Han cleared his throat. “Sorry, this was a blitz. You figured it out right?” Figured what out? That he disappeared when we needed him. “I’m pretty sure Dead Eye’s going to miss fifty million bits.” I stared into Han’s green eyes revealing he didn’t have any sign of regret. That bloater could have killed us. It’s not like Rusty or Oceans have fought one of those things before.

My horn started to flare up. Han aimed straight between my eyes. My horn stopped glowing. “Alright, well then tell me how you did it.”

Han smiled. His tail swished over something, knocking it over to me. “At exactly ten forty five I made sure all the guards were off tracking several different unicorns. By the time it was ten fifty I had already broken into the great hall.” Wait a minute. That’s where the Pinkie Pie Laser Grid System is located at. I held up one of my hooves.

“Wait a second, you’re telling me that you stole fifty million bits while we were in the middle of a job.” Han nodded with proud smile. He was proud of what he did! Okay, that explains why he gave his share of Daring’s winnings to the other two. “I thought you were doing this for the sake of saving ponies.”

Han scoffed. “Please. You think Equestria can change overnight with one heist. Turning Equestria back into what it was is nothing more than a story you tell foals, like you.” I could feel a scowl starting to form on my face. My horn started to pulse blue. “Don’t give me that look. I didn’t leave without freeing a few slaves without your help.” He saved some slaves? How? When did this happen? “Once I checked to make sure the cameras were off I used a spell around the cages to shock War unconscious. Did you see those armed ponies marching out the door?” I nodded. “I disguised them and filed a report to Dead Eye that his money had been stolen. That was at eleven fifteen. Oh, and I was the one that kept that alarm from going off. You know the one.” The puzzle was all there in front of me. Each piece rotating around until it fit together.

There was still one thing I couldn’t figure out. “How did you get by the laser field?”

Thirty six lasers that only the pink party pony could get through with her pinkie sense. To my knowledge there wasn’t any way to break inside of there without getting caught. Han smiled and set his hoof down. “Ah ha, the laser field.” I looked down at the object Han had knocked over to me. It was a memory jewel. Han nudged his head at it. I focused my magic and the world started to rip away. “Well … you see.”

*** ***

I blinked and saw pink lasers moving behind statues, across works of art and priceless glass vases all around the room. Four statues were placed along the room, each one depicting a different princess, they didn’t capture their real elegance. The box was attached to the top of the ceiling well out of reach, in the middle of the laser field making it impossible to turn it off, it pulsed with magic to keep it guarded from spells. Han blinked and so did I.

Without a second thought I tried to focus my way into a third person view, but it didn’t work. The jewel itself was locked in first person view. My attention was locked on the thirty six randomly moving lasers. Let’s see how you did it.

Han’s head dipped down to bow. “To the four princesses, I dedicate this .” Han lifted his head back up, strapping a music player to his flank. A pair of headphones went over his slightly pointed ears while he cracked his neck to the left then right. His hooves took two steps forward then he gingerly swung the lower half of his body to the right. Han pushed himself up and kart wheeled over the first two lasers. He stopped on his fore hooves, keeping the lower half of his body raised in the air. Our eyes looked at two lasers heading right for us. Han’s right hoof stuck out and his back hooves stuck out in two different directions. Each laser traced around the only hoof Han had on the ground, never once touching him, before moving away.

His body went down to the ground while he beat his fore hooves against it in tune to the music we were listening to. His fore hooves planted firmly on the ground and the lower half of his body shot up into a hoof stand. Three more lasers went around us while we kart wheeled back to the starting point.

Han took three steps back and galloped towards the first laser. Five lasers scanned the ground while he dove over them summersaulting to a stop in front of lasers six and seven. Han lay against the floor then bucked a statue that felt cemented to the ground. Propelling himself towards a statue we avoided a laser that was getting WAY to close! Han stood back up and spun around with all four hooves brought together. Several different lasers went by in a blur. That was lasers eight through eleven.

The zebra and I came to a stop and jumped on top of the Celestia statue in the middle of the great hall. I looked down at the lasers. ONE WAS RIGHT BY OUR HOOF! It moved away. Setting our fore hooves against Celestia’s head, Han lifted his entire body into the air then used the tip of her horn for balance while lasers twelve through seventeen traced the statue from head to hoof. They didn’t trace her horn at all. Han kissed the tip of the sun goddess’s horn. His hoof propelled us through the air over lasers eighteen through twenty three.

This going back and forth is making me sick to my stomach. Can I hurl inside of a memory?

Laser twenty three moved towards us while laser twenty four swung right behind us. Han threw his head back. NO PONY OR ZEBRA’S BODY SHOULD BEND BACKWARDS LIKE THIS! Han arched his stomach up, gently easing his was over a laser before throwing the front of his body up to avoid the laser passing underneath him. Laser twenty five was an inch away from his back while he rolled forward. He stopped on his head keeping his lower body held in the air. His fore hooves threw us around in circles using his head to keep us spinning. Lasers twenty six through thirty moved all around us with only an inch of clearance between every part our body. The lasers moved away and Han landed with his back hoof sticking out to regain his balance.

His other back hoof stuck out then followed laser thirty one while lasers thirty two and thirty three followed right behind him. Han put his fore hooves out and he flipped over laser thirty four. He landed on the ground then flattened his body out as much as possible. Laser thirty five went right over his body without touching it. Beads of sweat were running down from his mane. If I could actually sweat inside of memories I would have been drenched by now.

Once laser thirty five was a couple inches away, Han put his fore hooves behind his head and propelled himself over laser thirty five while it swung back around for another sweep. We landed on his back hooves, pushed off against the ground front flipping over laser thirty six, then landed on top of the stairway in front of Dead Eye’s vault. We started swinging our fore hooves around and fell back.

Han swept his back hoof to the right and set all four hooves down firmly on the ground. I could feel the smile on his face. Brimming with full confidence from a job well done. We turned back around, jumped into the air and clacked all four hooves together.

The world ripped away.

*** ***

I blinked my eyes a few times noticing the room was completely empty. “That is the coolest zebra I’ve ever met.” Han had made his escape and … I felt around in my bag. My pale gemstone was gone! Oh, screw you Han! I’ll admit this though, I’m scared of turning into the kind of thief Han is. Throwing every pony under … an autowagon … to make off with more bits than a pony could possibly know what to do with.

I did this to help the slaves. Remember that, Runner. You did this to help the unicorn slaves.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Ponyville

Chapter Fourteen: Ponyville

Las Pegasus shrank in the distance with each passing second I stared out from the train’s caboose. Click-clacking from the wheels had mesmerized me for a few minutes until Las Pegasus was no longer visible. My mind kept going over why Han had taken the money. It just felt wrong. Ponies needed our help and instead he turns his back and goes for the money. My hoof hit the railing out of frustration. Han plays the game by an extra rule, he plays the game like he has nothing to lose.

Daring put her hat on my head.

Even Daring has to have a code she follows. Some set of rules that tells her when it’s not okay to do something like that. By the time we had gotten on the train every pony in our group had figured out Han’s little game, they didn’t know how he did it, but they knew he was responsible for the missing fifty million bits. Daring nudged me. “You know you were actually kind of sexy acting all confident with Dead Eye,” she said with a bit of sweetness in her tone.

Since we’re heading to Ponyville I might as well stop there to look for Glider. They’ve probably already sold the engines by now so I need pick up my pace and get to work finding them. Wait … what did Daring say? I felt her pith helmet being dragged off my head. “Wait, Daring. What did you say?” She trotted back inside the train. I looked at where she had been standing before busting into a gallop after her. “No, seriously, what did you say?”

“I didn’t say anything.” She trotted inside of a small room then shut the door.

Oh forget it.

I trotted into a passenger car taking a seat near the window. My mind kept replying the events I went through after stepping outside of my former prison. Prison. Silver Shoe was right. District Twelve wasn’t a home. It was a prison.  Huh. I should find a place to actually settle down in. Slowly, my map floated up. So far I’ve been to all the places I don’t ever want to go back to. It’s not going to feel like a home until I get a glider though … like my Mustang!

I really want that Mustang out here. My hoof tapped the windowsill. Maybe Glider could help me sneak in and get it. The tunnels aren’t big enough for it to fit through though. Nah, forget it. It’d be easier to just save up the money. Which is easier said than done. Damn it, Han! War sat across from me. “You doing alright?” I nodded. He looked skeptical. “Really?” I hesitated then gave him an unconvincing nod. War looked out the window, carefully leaning back in his seat. “Runner let me tell you something. You’re not very good at hiding your emotions when you’re anxious.” I kept staring at the window. Geez. I’m not much of a thief if I can’t even keep a straight face.

“Be confident, if you don’t have faith in your own abilities you won’t be successful or happy.” My eyes stared at War’s reflection in the glass. He was being serious. That’s how Han got away with this. Isn’t it. War nodded as if to confirm what I already knew. This guy knew what I was thinking; he had this conversation with more than one pony. “That’s some advice I was given as a colt. It’s also how Eleven Oceans gets away with being so charismatic.” Huh. Now I see why I want to go along with everything he says. I nodded slowly almost in sync with my stomach’s growl.

War grinned and shook his head. “If you take anything away from this experience just remember to be humble.” You know, now that I really think about it. When Silver Shoe and I did that armory job I felt like I could do just about anything and get away with it. Arrogance. Stepping outside of those walls really hammered arrogance out of me that’s for sure. Actually, being in a team as well as a crew puts a lot of things in perspective. Each pony brings their own set of skills to the table, without one of those ponies we couldn’t get this done, which means a crew is like a well-oiled glider. Without all of us here we couldn’t have finished this heist.

I leaned back in my seat earning a squeak from it. “Well, it’s been fun, but I’m getting off in Ponyville. Ponies to see and all.” War nodded. We shook hooves.

“You know we’ll be stopping by Ponyville again tomorrow to pick up a few things before heading to Harbor City. We’ve got a job out there and could really use your help. It’s a paying gig.” War spoke to his reflection.

“I’ll think about it, but no guarantees. I’ve got some friends I need to find.”

*** ***

Ponyville. It’s something special. I can feel it. Any pony could walk up to me right now and tell me the infected once ran through this town and tore everything up, but right now, right now it looks like everything that resulted from that earthquake didn’t even touch this place at all. It’s like Ponyville remained untouched from all the shit that went down.

Daring reached down from an open window stretching out her hoof. We shook hoofs, “Well I guess this is goodbye. You know unless you don’t join us for the next job.”

“Like I said to War, I’ve got friends to find,” I answered back.

I was given an actual smile! Daring actually gave me a smile that she meant, not one of those just-in-the-moment smiles. The train whistle blew loudly, shaking the stations floorboards; the car Daring was in lurched forward. Daring tipped her helmet to me, closing the window shortly after.

It didn’t take long for the train to leave, but I waited for it to completely leave my line of sight before trotting out of the station. I read about Ponyville once. It was a small town that had problems usually solved within half an hour or so. That book had been dated before the quake in Equestria: A History in the Making Volume One. I looked around the first couple of blocks noticing a couple of traffic jams with the ponies using their gliders to pull heavy loads around in wagons. This place had gone from nothing, to a small town, to a city about half the size of Manehattan. It was probably a little smaller than that, but it looked a lot bigger than what it was when Twilight Sparkle was learning about friendship.

I wondered around aimlessly feeling a warm sensation run through my coat. It felt good! I mean really good! I could just stretch out right now, put on a pair of shades and just fall asleep. I’d be exactly like a cat sunbathing in a window.

My head went up to the sky immediately being greeted to a bright blue beauty. The sky around this town was blue. Not grey. Blue. The sun was shining down on the town for a good couple of minutes, then it was gone. Clouds filled the former gap in the sky soon returning my warm coat back to feeling cold. I stopped walking in front of a market café with a few empty tables set out in front of it. The sign read: Diesel Fuel’s Market and Café. There was a magazine lying on top of the table closest to me, I scooped it up in my hoof and trotted inside.

Inside was just as empty as the outside. A few racks were setup with bags of chips and sunglasses for sale. Not that I had any bits to spend. I set the magazine down peaking at the cover, Full Throttle Gliders. My hoof flipped the magazine open to a random page while my eyes looked it over. Couple of gliders were for sale, but that only reminded me of the machine I had sitting back in my garage. There was a radio playing on top of a refrigerator. I stole a glance at the mare behind the counter fixing herself something to eat. She looked at me and my eyes went straight back to the article. “I’ll be right with you,” she called to me.

“This just in, a team of hijackers has recently been reported to have broken into the express heading for the Frozen North just the other night. Reports have claimed that the hijackers were a small band of three ponies that broke into the cargo freighter in order to steal the engines onboard. So far the whereabouts of this team are unknown, if you have any information regarding the,” the mare turned the radio off.

She nicked shaking her head in frustration. My eyes went back to the article soon growing wide at the sensational sight I was being graced with. A new glider with a tint of sapphire and collapsible wings is set to be unveiled in just a couple of weeks. It’s hitting the Grand Tour circuit in Saddle Arabia soon! Maybe if I can save up enough bits I can check that out. “What can I get you?” I looked up at the mare.

“I don’t have any bits,” was my flat response.

The mare just stared at me for a moment then took a look at the magazine I was reading. Her hoof spun it around, carefully flipping to the next page, carefully reading it over. “You reading about the new Cutie Mark Crusader glider going on the Grand Tour or just looking at the picture?”

Ugh. I’m. Yes, “Yes. Yes I am.” I was just looking at the picture.

“You’re a shitty liar,” she whispered close to my ear before spinning the magazine back to me. My eyes went from hers back to the articles. There was a picture of a new engine being made for a super glider that some hot shot is supposed to use in the super class for that same competition. “So, are you a gear head or just here to try the tuna? We’ve got the best tuna in town.” The tuna? Tuna. The tuna? I don’t know how to respond to that. “I’m sorry that was a bad joke.”

She eyed a few trophies set up on a shelf behind her.

My eye squinted trying to make out the name on them. The mare side stepped right in front of me. She wanted my full undivided attention. I exhaled slowly and took my time looking her over. She had a light brown coat with a dark brown mane along with a lit-candle for a cutie mark. “Yeah, I mean, I love learning about them and tinker with engines here and there. I’ve never actually flown a glider though.” The mare’s jaw dropped. She let out a low sigh with a disappointed headshake.

“I’m Candle Light,” she reached a hoof out to me and I shook it. Candle Light trotted over to the fridge and pulled out a cold Pegasus Breed. She slid it across the counter to me, I caught it in my hoof giving her a confused look. Her reaction was to grab a plate and start making a tuna sandwich. I introduced myself to her.

“I thought I said I didn’t have any bits,” I stuttered a bit.

Candle Light gave me a nod, “You did, but you’re a glider enthusiast right?” My eyes shifted around in my attempt to come up with something to say. There was a grin on Candle Light’s face. “Glider enthusiasts get one free sandwich and a drink once a day.”

Oh. Oooh. OH!

“Then it’s a good thing I’m a glider enthusiast.” I pretended to wipe some sweat from my forehead.

Candle Light chuckled and finished making the sandwich. The plate was slid across the counter; I caught with my hoof. I took a bite of the tuna sandwich then almost spit it back out. This tuna is not good. Now I know why she said it was the best tuna in town. Ugh. No. Don’t spit it back out.

I swallowed the food pretending to enjoy it with each bite afterwards. My eyes never once looked up, but from what I could hear Candle Light had started to clean dishes. I finished the tuna sandwich, feeling it ready to jump back out, my hoof slid over my stomach.

Stay down.

My stomach rumbled a little.

I said stay down! You’ve smelt worse than that sandwich’s taste.

Candle Light grabbed the plate I had been using. The moment she turned around I popped the cap off of my Pegasus Breed and chugged the son of a bitch down like it was water blessed by Celestia’s horn. It did the trick eliminating the fowl taste of tuna in my mouth. I looked up at Candle Light while she turned the water off. “I’ve been flying gliders since I got my cutie mark. My father always brought me and my brother to his shop to help work on them to,” she paused looking up at the shelves. My eyes followed her gaze before finding several dozen pictures of Candle Light with her brother and father. Compared to Candle Light, her brother had a dark mane than she did along with a much tanner coat. “You finished with the drink?” I nodded.

“Good, cause you’re flying me home.” She tossed a set of keys my way.

I looked at the keys; my eyes went to Candle Light’s. She wasn’t serious, was she? Candle Light was packing her things in a small saddle bag. It didn’t take long for her to nudge her head at a glider parked just outside the window. It was a sky blue Integra and a beautiful one at that. I turned my attention back to Candle while she patiently waited for me to head over to it. She was serious!

I levitated the empty Pegasus breed into the recycle bin and trotted out to the back while Candle Light pulled the doors down. I guess owning the place means you can close up whenever you want. I slid underneath the glider, sliding my back into the padded groove, while my eyes scanned the tech inside. It was softer than my Mustang’s padding feeling rather cold to the touch. The strap wasn’t even metal like the gliders in my district had. This one had a tight belt strap to it that was designed specifically for racing!

“You know how this all works right,” Candle Light asked timidly.  I hummed. I knew how to get off the ground, it was the fact I didn’t have any pony to teach me the flying part that kept me grounded, which was about to change. “Alright, put it in first and get going to about ten wing power.”

*** ***

I barrel rolled past the town’s hall with a laughing Candle Light holding on tight to the wingspan’s ‘oh shit bar.’ The wings titled in a little as I flew around the building a few times at thirty five wing power. My back hoof was firmly planted on the gas pedal. A hoof tapped my shoulder. “Shift gears!” Candle Light pointed a hoof at the back of the glider. My other hoof kicked the gear shifter back a notch while the glider lurched forward. I pushed the gas pedal down further, flying away from the towns hall, taking in every little bit of the town I could see flying at forty wing power.

The glider was in fourth gear and doing great! My ears were melting in joy from the engine sounds. It was like a chorus of birds, but for gear heads!

Candle Light tapped my shoulder carefully turning my attention to her house. My hoof kicked another pedal back and downshifted into third. I hit the ground with a grunt, galloping around the house, straight up a dirt path leading up to a small garage. The glider eventually fell to no wing power and I stopped next to the house. “Well you aren’t shy of the throttle that’s for sure. You should try using the brakes some time.”

“Brakes? You mean the coward pedal,” I retorted with a smile.

Candle Light paused and stared at me. She started chuckling being careful as she eased her way off the Integra’s wingspan. “Yeah, I guess that’s one name for it.” I chuckled with her, checking out a few different buttons near the wing speedometer in the process. Now which one parks it? “Hit the third one from the speedometer,” Candle Light called out to me while she looked for her house key. I hit the button she told me to press causing four stands to eject out from the machine to keep it off the ground. After I unstrapped myself from the glider I slid out from underneath it greeting Candle Light back at the door.

The door swung open while I thanked her for the flying lesson. I trotted down the small wood staircase leading to the dirt path wondering aimlessly to any place I hadn’t visited yet. Candle Light raised her voice, “Runner, wanna drink?” I stopped halfway to the road. I turn faced her. There was a bottle of Pegasus Breed in her hoof. Cap popped off. You know what, that’s the best offer I’ve had in a while.

It took me less than a second rejoin Candle Light before going into a small kitchen with an equally small table. There were a few more pictures of her family hanging around. “What do you want?”

“Anything as long as it’s cold,” my voice almost trailed off while I stared at another picture.

I sat down at the table honing in on a picture of Candle Light’s father. There was something in the background that caught my eye. It was a matte black Charger glider with a supercharger. I could feel my eyes widening just a bit. That was an unusual looking engine for a glider. Most of them don’t have a blower since a pony’s mane could fly back into it. Especially if it was one of those blowers that didn’t have the butterfly flaps that open when you rev the engine. Just from first glance I’d say it was boasting five hundred to six hundred horsepower of sheer muscle.

An icy cold Pegasus Breed was set down in front of me. I turned my attention back to Candle. She traced my eyes back to the picture slowly grinning. “That belonged to my father. After he died in an accident my brother took that curse and made it his own. Before he wreaked it.” What? He wreaked something as powerful as that. Wow.

Candle Light took a seat with her focus on the center of the table. Everything was silent just before I popped off the cap to my Pegasus Breed. I took a drink. “There was one other project my father was working on. My brother made a promise to him that he would finish it with the salvaged parts from his glider one day.” She took a drink from her bottle.

And then it hit me like a Charger flying into me at one hundred fifty wing power.

“Hey, not that I don’t like the kindness, but why are you being so nice to me,” I questioned while turning my attention to Candle Light’s light brown eyes. I’ve only seen a few ponies offer me any form of kindness but this time it just felt different. This town doesn’t feel like a prison, it feels like a community.

Candle Light paused for what felt like an hour. She just stared at her Pegasus Breed thinking about something. My eyes went back up to the picture of her father. He looked just like her, only with more muscles and a mane that was starting to thin out. “You just remind me of a pony I used to know. Plus my brother would kill me if I didn’t help out a glider enthusiast. Our kind need to stick together and I never turn down a pony I can help. My code is to always help a pony when I can.” I nodded. That’s a good code. “What about you? What’s your code, Runner?”

Oh that’s easy. I live by two rules. Steal from … ponies that deserve it and … those aren’t codes. Those are rules that you follow when your life is nothing but being a thief. I left that life behind for the most part. I don’t have a code to live by. Not even a virtue. If a pony doesn’t have a code to live by then a virtue is just as good. I don’t have either.

A cold melancholy feeling went through my heart at that realization.

Silver Shoe lived her life like there was no tomorrow, but that isn’t the right sentence to describe her way of life. “I don’t have one, but I’m working on it.”

“That’s good.” She smiled. “My family lives by a different code than I do. Maybe one day you can meet them if you stick around long enough.”

I think I’ll do just that. I leaned back in my chair and took a drink.

Candle looked off at something while I kept to my thoughts. Her light hum brought me back to our conversation. “Tell you what, why don’t you go look around town a bit more then come back here for dinner. It’s been a while since I’ve had any company. My family’s been traveling around earning money to keep us all afloat.” I nodded while my horn lit up. My Pegasus Breed floated back into the fridge and I looked out the window. There were a few houses sitting around but I had no clue which way to go. “Do you like to read?” I nodded. “There’s a library up the road, first castle on your right.”

Alright!

I got to my hooves galloping out the door. Candle Light waved at me through a window overlooking the dirt path leading up to the garage. Time to catch up on my reading. Maybe I can donate some of these older books and get some bits.

*** ***

Ruins. Everything was in ruins and shambles. Books were flung around the room haphazardly under a large gaping hole in the ceiling that reveled part of a tower of some sort. I was in a memory jewel, more precisely I was in Celestia’s head, and this memory was all over the place. Princess Celestia had blasted a hole through the ceiling with Princess Luna and Princess Cadence. They had all landed in a lab with their horns glowing threateningly at some stallion that went by the name Autumnal Den. It was a stupid name.

There was a round table keeping them all apart.

“I understand wanting to help Equestria, but trying to create Alicorns with the Alicorn Sphere is not a way of accomplishing that goal,” Luna called out to a frantic stallion. Luna took a hoof steps to the left to keep Autumnal from running. His head jerked and twitched around to each princess. Twilight Sparkle wasn’t with us. Princess Cadence took a few hoof steps to the right and blocked the exit. Celestia telekinetically threw the table away leaving Autumnal surrounded. His head jerked around.

Autumnal Den put his hoof on something spherical behind him. It was the size of a hoof ball and pulsed light blue magic around it. The inside was a pale blue color that was blindingly white at its core. The sphere was attached to some machine feeding it data from a computer. It looked more like it was feeding magic into it. Autumnal ripped the sphere out holding it in his hoofs. Celestia spoke with a calm yet gentle tone, “Autumnal, please. Put the sphere down. You are a stallion of science and logic, can you not see that this device will do more harm than good?”

WHACK!

A stallion burst out from another room with a knife gripped tightly in his teeth. He charged right at Celestia with the intent of taking her out. A pink beam flew past Celestia’s mane and blasted the pony into a bookcase that toppled down on the poor guy before he hit the ground. The knife clattered to the ground. Autumnal coughed and looked down at the sphere. “You four don’t see the potential this device holds. With this beautiful machine any pony could become an Alicorn and help ponies. Imagine all the lands across Equestria with their own Alicorn princess. Imagine it. Peace in our time.”

This guy is corrupted. He wants to help ponies, but he can’t even see that his abilities are being used in all the wrong places. I wonder what his code is.

Autumnal twisted the metal halves of the sphere until there was a click. He shoved the metal halves together and the magic inside the sphere made the entire thing light up a pale blue color. Magic beams in the form of lightning bolts fired off around the room making Princess Cadence raise up a protection spell around them.

KA-BOOM!

White blinding light exploded around us engulfing every tiny bit of the room into its magic. I couldn’t see anything but I could feel my very essence being ripped out. It was like Tirek using his spell to steal magic only worse! On an unimaginable scale. The light began to fade while the screams of the other two princesses caught my attention. The world ripped away.

*** ***

My breathing escalated into fast rapid pants as I opened my eyes. I stared down at the pages of yet another history book that had a memory jewel to accompany it. The text had mentioned this was found in some infected stallions mouth. No idea where the memory took place though. It looked like the interior of a castle, but to my knowledge there was only three castles. One in the Crystal Empire, one in Canterlot and the other here in Ponyville.

I scratched my mane and drank from a bottle of water to calm my nerves. The weirdest part of this was that I could feel something going on with Princess Celestia before the memory ended. It was like being frozen inside of a cold prison. Her hooves felt like they couldn’t move at all, but that might have just been the fact that I couldn’t move while inside of Celestia’s memory. I flipped through to the end of the history book with a sigh. “You’ve got to be kidding. Where’s the rest?” A mare sitting at a comic stand shushed me. I put my hooves up in defense then closed my book. For every answer I get there are at least three other questions that come to my mind.

My eyes went down to the magazine that had gotten mixed in with my books. It wasn’t in their by accident. The title of the article I wanted was Cutie Mark Crusaders: The First Glider. It even came with a type of memory jewel that was embedded in the page so you could get the feel of what it was like back then! The still inside the jewel depicted Apple Bloom revving an engine. My horn lit up, with all my focus on the jewel, everything around me blurred until the world ripped away.

*** ***

I didn’t need to do anything more than just look at these mares. Many nights in my attic had been spent reading over every little bit of glider articles I could get my hoofs on. From some small names to some of the more well-known names I could name a lot of different ponies involved with the process of making some of the best machines I had ever seen in my life. The Dodge brothers were just two of them. But there were three names in the history books that had always captured my interest.

Two mares sat near the first ever tested glider, fixing it up with a little T.L.C, while thunder loudly rolled by shaking the castle.

The one with the red mane and tan coat was Apple Bloom. She was one of two mechanics in the trio as well as the driving force behind most of the projects. I took note that we were on top of Princess Twilight’s castle being protected by a large protection spell. We stood on a long balcony overlooking the entire town. My attention went back to the glider.

It didn’t look anything like the gliders we used today. It had wings that looked like a hang glider which is something the first released glider didn’t have. The wings on that one had been made of metal.

An orange mare with a purple mane looked up from the engine and pulled the key out of the ignition. Her wings were smaller than most pegasi. Scootaloo was the second mechanic in the trio, but was more or less responsible for hammering the kinks that went beyond the earth pony’s knowledge. “Alright, I think we did it.” Scootaloo slid underneath the glider, putting her back against the frame, strapping herself in. She put her hoof against one of two pedals. The older models didn’t have a gear shifter. Those were made for racers with a need for speed. Scootaloo started the glider back up, revving the engine as loud as she could, a smile slowly growing on her face. The engine hummed but not as loud as it could have been.

I slid into my transparency spell. The engine became clear as a crystal pony’s coat. I could see everything that made it tick. Everything looked like one big schematic now. I’ve got this spell down!

The engine itself was a small V6 with two hundred forty one horsepower. Damn, that’s not bad for their first glider. “Scootaloo, you sure ‘bout this?” Apple Bloom put a sticker on one of the wings. It was called ‘The Orchard.’ I felt a smile growing on my face the more I looked this piece of beautiful machinery over. It was amazing to say the least. As far as classics go, this was as old school as any pony could get. I wish I could take it out for a fly.

Scootaloo took the key out of the ignition. I looked away from the glider and noticed Scootaloo was just standing there. Apple Bloom looked out at Ponyville. One of her hoof tips drew imaginary circles in the ground. Scootaloo let out a long sigh and her head drooped down. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to spread my wings and soar through the air?”

“Fer a long time.”

“For a long time, exactly!” She punched the ground. I couldn’t see the pegasi’ face, but she wasn’t sad. Her tone of voice was full of reflection, as if she was thinking back on everything that lead her to this moment, which from what I’ve read was filled with many crusades. “You and Sweetie Belle,” she pointed a hoof at an office that was connected to the balcony, “were both with me when I got my taste of real flight. So was Princess Luna.” Her hoof hit the ground again. “I remember what Rainbow Dash said to me the day we carried the flag at the Equestria Games. Maybe I’ll fly someday or maybe I won’t, but today I am going to take flight. These wings,” Scootaloo unstrapped herself and climbed on top of the glider. “These wings, Apple Bloom, these are my wings, they are the wings that are going to take me up above those clouds one day. Today it’s just a couple dozen feet above the ground, but tomorrow we will soar all around Equestria.”

Apple Bloom was keeping her gaze at the ground. I could see a determined smile unlike any other on Scootaloo’s face. She wanted her dream like no pony else had ever wanted a dream. Just like Silver Shoe.

I sat down on my haunches.

This is just like the conversation I had with Silver Shoe. I had been Apple Bloom and she had been Scootaloo.

I looked up at the two mares noticing their hooves lying on top of one another. Apple Bloom was smiling. She looked over at the office, “Sweetie Belle, get over here.” Hoof steps echoed from inside the office room as a mare with a pink and purple mane walked out with her horn aglow. The color from her horn matched the protection spell around the entire castle.

Sweetie Belle was the brains behind the operations, because without her there wouldn’t be so many types of gliders. Her ingenuity fueled Scootaloo’s desire to push everything they made to the limits.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders put their hooves together. “We are the CMC,” they spoke together. “On three. One. Two. Three!” They threw their hooves up while Scootaloo slid underneath the glider. Her hooves went through two straps while she buckled them together. The metal holding the engine began to shake while the pegasus put her back against some rather uncomfortable looking padding.

“Time to fly or die,” Scootaloo said smiling full of confidence. A pair of flight goggles went over her eyes while she backed up to the balcony’s edge. Her hoof went back to the gas pedal and pushed it back.

Veruuuguuuuuu. Veruuuuuguuuu.

I was grinning ear to ear.

Scootaloo galloped forward taking one quick glance at her friends. Her hooves pushed off against the ground sending her body into a dive straight over the railing. This was one of those moments that lasted for what felt like an eternity.

I wanted it to last forever. I wanted this moment to last forever. For a glider enthusiast this was one the most beautiful sights in history.

Scootaloo disappeared under the railing! I galloped over to the edge only to fall back on my haunches. The mechanic flew straight up shouting at the top of her lungs. She whooped and hollered while I cheered along with the Crusaders.

The protection spell shook.

I stopped cheering, my eternal moment cut short, by the heart pounding sounds of infected beating at the spell. This town had been invaded by infected and they were still here.

ARE THEY CRAZY!?

I paused and thought over this scenario. Well it’s this kind of crazy that gave us the present day glider.

The spell shattered, glass rained down like bullets, causing the other two crusaders to take cover. Shards came raining down on us, they didn’t hurt, but the realization that infected were about to break inside the castle hit each one of us like a punch. Scootaloo went through me, taking her two friends in her hooves and making me feel extremely uncomfortable.

The world started to rip away, but I had just enough time to see one last jaw dropping scene. It wasn’t the good kind.

The glider snapped, in two. All three mares went down near a place called Sugar Cube Corner.

*** ***

My head jolted up, heavy pants escaped my mouth, as my eyes slowly traced the room. I will never get used to that. In all honesty I’m surprised I haven’t gotten used to it. My hoof went straight to my bag and I felt my old books. The mare at the comic book section was looking at something. I got up. As I walked to the counter every book and magazine I had on the table floated back over to its proper place in the library.

“Excuse me,” I spoke softly. The mare looked up revealing her name tag. Her name was Page Turner. “Do you guys take donations?” I set my three history books down in front of her.

Page Turner took one of them then carefully flipped it open. Her eyes scanned the pages like a hawk hunting its prey. She examined the other books even more carefully than the first one. Once her hoof tapped the counter I was sure she was going to give them back to me. “Actually, we can buy these from you. I can give you one hundred bits, but that’s all I can offer. You’re lucky these are first editions and in great quality.”

“Deal,” I stuttered a little. She took the books off the counter handing me a small bag with a hundred bits in the process. It wasn’t much to go off of but it was a start. I could at least get a night in a hotel. My eyes went down to the comics on display under Page Turner’s hoof. My jaw dropped. “How much for Swordmares issues eleven through fifteen?”

Page Turner smiled pulling the issues from the display case. “Fifty five bits.”

Now a smart pony would turn away right now. I’m occasionally a smart pony. I’m not particularly proud of what I’m about to say. “Here you go.”

*** ***

Normally I would have been smiling after buying an issue of my favorite comic. Sadly, I no longer have enough money to stay in a hotel. This was not one of my better decisions and I’m pretty sure Silver Shoe is laughing her ass off right about now. Meanwhile it started to sprinkle turning my light trot into a gallop.

I really need to reevaluate how I make decisions at some point, but that is a conversation for another day. And by ‘another day’ I mean probably never. Why am I even having this conversation with myself?

I inhaled the sweet aroma of delicious hay burgers! Drool started forming in my mouth while I galloped up the dirt path leading to the small staircase in the backyard. My favorite food being made by what I’m hoping is a new friend. Celestia and Luna know I could really use one right now.

My hoof pulled the door open and I trotted inside.

First thing I did was grab my Pegasus Breed from the fridge then downed it right away. Alright Runner, think. Where can you stay for the night?

I turned, leaning forward against the sink. When did that 240SX glider get here? Huh. Must have not noticed it. Maybe that belongs to Candle Light’s brother! I turn faced the table hearing a drink being set down.

My heart started beating faster. Butterflies flew around in my chest sending my knees into a light shake.

A small smile formed on my face.

“What’s up bud,” Glider said as she pushed herself up from the table. It took her no more than a second to wrap her hooves around my neck putting me in a hoof lock. She freed a hoof and rubbed it against my mane making it frizz up a little. “Gave us all a scare after you hit that sign you son of bitch!” She was laughing in between those words. Her hooves flung me around from side to side for a couple of seconds before she finally released me.

I was speechless. My mouth opened but words did not come out.

Words. Say words. Come on. Say something.

“What are you doing here?” I couldn’t hold back my smile anymore. It stretched from ear to ear. At this moment I didn’t care how or why she was here. I was just happy I had a friend.

Glider’s wing pulled me over to her and she ruffled my mane one last time. “After you got knocked off the train we started looking all over for you. I told Vin and Lucky to keep searching while I told Candle Light what was going on.” And then Candle Light told you that I ended up here. Life has a funny way of working out. Speaking of Candle Light, she was sitting at the table just enjoying the company. I brought my friend count up to four. “Before we go any further, we need to have a talk.”

That was something I had been expecting since that sign hit me. And that sentence slapped me harder than that sign. I took in a few deep breathes. We were having this talk now. Candle Light got up out of respect for our privacy. “I’ll give you guys a minute.” Glider waved a hoof at her and grabbed two cold Pegasus Breed’s from the fridge. Ignoring the one she already had on the table. I followed her outside, taking our time to find a seat on the stairs, then sat down on the steps together with the back door cracked open.

The rain started picking up while questions about this entire conversation went through my head.

How do I even go about telling her I killed Silver Shoe? What if she hates me for this and I lose the only four friends I’ve made outside of my prison. Yeah, I found my definition for District Twelve, a prison. I mean I have nowhere else to go. War and the others are just crew members, they aren’t like Glider and her family. Daring probably considers those guys family, but I’m an outsider to that group.

I don’t want to lose these four. Damn it, Silver Shoe why can’t you be here with me! If only I had kept my trap shut I wouldn’t be having this conversation.

“Runner,” Glider put her hoof on my shaking leg, “calm down. This isn’t going to be easy for either of us if you can’t get a grip.” I nodded.

Inhale slowly.

Exhale slowly.

Alright, I think I’m ready.

I nodded again slowly but firmly popping the cap off my Pegasus Breed. One small drink later I felt ready to say something. Anything really. “Silver Shoe and I used to pull jobs back inside the walls. Her plans always involved throwing us in danger while mine were more covert.” Glider looked like she had been in this situation before. Her eyes said she understood. “After we broke out I went along with her until I realized that you might not be the sister she was hoping to find. I brought my concern up to her while we were on a catwalk, then one thing lead to another; our argument ended with us dropping each other down on the metal hard enough to bring the son of bitch down.” My heart leapt in my chest. Every last detail of what I had said went through my head in a split second. I just want it all to go away. I want the pain in my heart to go away and never come back!

Tears were running down my face?

My hoof went to the side of my muzzle. I felt tears running down each side. I didn’t have the guts to look Glider in the eyes. “It was my fault. I didn’t put enough trust in Silver Shoe and now you’re short one sister.” My eyes snapped shut and I waited for something. Anything. That something or anything didn’t come.

“No, Runner, it’s not your fault,” she whispered in my ear. Her breath was warm. Glider’s wing stretched out pulling me close to her. I was brought into a warm hug. “I’ve learned that this place isn’t like the Equestria described in books. It’s a land that breaks friendships if you’re not careful.” I shivered a little. My eyes went up to Glider’s where tears were forming.

This tough fly or die mare was actually tearing up in front of me. Tears started running down my muzzle again while the rain poured down on us. We sat in silence for what felt like forever, just letting the rain soak us down to the bone.

I broke the silence, “I still feel like I need to be punched. Some sort of punishment for letting our argument get out of hoof. She always did say I had better self-control.” Glider’s wing moved away from me and she stared at me. All she could do was nod. Her hoof brushed some tears away.

WHACK!

A hoof knocked me into the wood railing and the thing came down to the ground with me. A small puddle greeted me face first. I pushed myself up. “OW!” My hoof went to the staircase to keep my balance.

“That was for making me tear up.” The compassionate Glider was gone. She had been replaced by fly-or-die Glider. I gave her a nod and looked at the picnic table set up in the small backyard.

WHACK!

I landed in another puddle face first. Nothing could have prepared me for that second punch but if another one came I would be ready. I slowly pushed myself up then gave her a look that asked her what the second punch was for. “That was for you.” My jaw dropped a little. Usually ponies don’t dish out punishment when you ask for it, but she did.

This mare was something else. The sting from her punch hit me again. “OW! Damn girl, you’ve got some swing!” Glider leaned back, a sly smile on her face, while taking a drink from her Pegasus Breed. I won’t lie. It felt good to be punched like that after having that conversation. I might not have a code yet, but it felt like it had knocked me on the path to finding one. “Are we cool, cause I can always leave if this … Are you okay with what happened?” I had to ask.

She spoke almost in a whisper. “I’m not okay with what happened to my sister. I’m never going to find out how she turned out. Won’t even get to show her my family. Our family,” Glider said correcting herself.

From the way she was talking it was like she knew Silver Shoe was going to come after her one day. I took a seat next to Glider and stared at her eyes. There weren’t any tears, thank Celestia, but she had something I didn’t like. Her eyes were filled with disappointment. I hated that look.

Glider’s wing stretched back out then pulled me back into a hug. “I said our family. You’re a part of this family now to and this is our home.” For a second, my heart felt like it had stopped, full of joy. It burst with the sunshine and rainbows that Equestria sorely lacked. I pushed her away and could see she was absolutely serious. There was only one word that could describe my feelings. Happy. “I may have lost a sister, but I gained another brother. And I’m sure he’s going to tell me all about my grown up sister.”

I chuckled with a nod. “I sure will,” I said softly.

“Are you going to be okay,” she questioned me while her wing blocked the rain like an umbrella.

That was a good question. I have no idea. The grieving process was going to be long. After all I had just lost her not that long ago. The sad part in all this was that I couldn’t even remember how long it had been. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. Just, give me time.” We both took a drink from our Pegasus Breed’s.

The puddle in front of me rippled and I stared at my eyes in the reflection. They were slightly red now. We continued to sit together listening to the clip-clopping hoof steps behind us. They went back and forth past the door. “So if I’m a part of this family now, mind telling me how the gang came to be?”

Glider snorted and choked on her drink. After a few coughs she cleared her throat. “We’re not a gang, we’re a team.” Her gaze went from the staircase, to me, then to the garage. A smile was beginning to form at the corner of her mouth. “Well there’s a lot of history here, but I can try to give you the short version. My version.” Glider put her wing around my back and gave me a shove. I got up following her close to the garage.

My attention went straight to the 240SX, which was being protected from the rain with a spell built into the machine. I took a peak at the groove. Instead of the heavy metal that my Mustang had to protect all the equipment within hoofs reach of the driver, this glider had what looked like really strong plastic, but it was just from how shiny the bumper looked. I could see the line where the bumper clamped to the top of the glider right above the groove for the ponies back. Definitely custom. My tough friend trotted all the way to the back of the machine leaning against the spoiler. “After I broke out of our prison I got a house right down the street. I had to race to earn bits and eventually I caught Diesel’s attention. He introduced me to gliders and I mean really introduced me to them.”

But he introduced you to a tuner. Those aren’t even in District Twelve.

Glider could see the scoff I was trying to hold back. Her hoof went down to the ground and she hurled a rag that covered my muzzle. My hoof brushed it off. “Like I was saying. He had my attention and I had his.” I opened my mouth to crack a joke about this sounding like a love story, but my better instincts told me to shut my trap. So I did. Glider was giving me a scowl that told me to keep my mouth shut. “Vin grew up with Diesel so he was always hanging around helping us keep the market café open. I got to know Candle Light very well,” she looked at the window, “Isn’t that right Candle!”

I turn faced the window just in time to catch a glance at Candle Light waving a hoof at us. I found myself chuckling at that. Meanwhile my attention went back to Glider while I leaned against the 240SX. “Lucky Clover showed up with this goofy stallion, Hot Rod. They never left and became part of the family.” The nostalgic smile on Glider’s face slowly started to fade. She ran a hoof through her wet mane, then pushed herself away from the glider.

“What happened to Hot Rod,” I asked rather bluntly.

I only asked because he was nowhere to be seen. Glider exhaled slowly. “He, uh, he was shot in a drive-by.” Her hoof tapped the ground.

Glider trotted over to me, giving me a light nudge to tell me to go inside. I went back to my Pegasus Breed. I took a drink and exhaled slowly afterwards. My pegasus friend walked inside. I went in with her. “Not that I’m not enjoying this quality time with you, but I’m getting a little sick of this sentimentality.” I chuckled.

Agreed. “Me to.”

Candle Light set down some plates for us along with a couple of towels. We were both advised to dry off before sitting down. After doing so, all three of us sat down at the table. My hoof went for a hay burger until Glider put hers down on top of mine. I looked at her and she shook her head. “I’ll say grace,” Candle Light volunteered just after I pulled my hoof back. “Thank you Celestia, for this food on our table. Luna, thank you for allowing us to eat with good friends. And most of all, Cadence, thank you for bringing us a new member to our family.” Candle Light looked up at us and reached in for a hay burger.

“There’s a guest room upstairs, feel free to crash there until whenever.” Glider bit into her burger. I looked over at Candle Light to find her going along with it. A smile started to curl up at the side of my mouth. My problem of finding a place to stay at was solved.

My smile stopped mid-curl. I had forty five bits to my name. Not a bit more. Thanks a lot Han. “I’ll stay the night, but after that I’m heading out for a job.” I mentioned Daring and went through a forty five minute conversation about what I had been doing while Glider was out looking for me. They were impressed. Well … Glider was impressed. Candle gave me a disappointed yet accepted look. I think she wanted a friend that wasn’t the fly or die type. Hey, I’m a fly or die kind of pony!

Glider’s big argument against me going was that we’re a family and we do things together, so I couldn’t go without her. Candle Light stepped in mentioning that Lucky Clover was still out there with Vin looking for a pony that had already been found. That settled it. I was heading out to Harbor City with Daring and the crew. Without any pony else to back me up.

That night I cracked open a few issues of Swordmares and prayed to Celestia I would come back home without to many life threatening injuries.

Mission Insanity

Chapter Fifteen: Mission Insanity

I bumped into Daring while she opened a door to the boxcar earning a look that said to take a step back. Our meeting was taking place on the train ride to Harbor City for unknown reasons. Personally I would have waited until we were set up in the actual city before discussing anything. But, I’m not the leader of this crew so my opinion will stay out of it. From what Daring mentioned to me on the station I knew she had little insight as to what we would be doing.

“Then they’ll be caught and …” Rusty looked up at us with a charming smile. “There they are. Nice of you to finally join us. And you,” he point at me, “great intel.”

Just after I had gotten on the train I spilled everything to War. Every little detail about Sour Tooth’s fight with Sombra had been vital to the plan going on inside his head. From the brief conversation we had I discovered that our grease mare on the inside, whose name I still didn’t know, was keeping an eye on a hotel owned by Dead Eye who had put Sombra inside of a room designed to be heavily armored on all sides.

From the sound of it, Sombra bit off more magic than he could chew when tangling with Sour Tooth, which was already playing to our favor. I’ll admit I had a sheepish grin my face when I figured that out.

Rusty clapped his hooves together. “Please, both of you, sit and welcome to my humble abode.” The boxcar we were in was the last one, which Oceans made sure to lock behind us. No pony but us was going to hear this plan.

There wasn’t much to the boxcar, just some crates and some papers pinned to the wall. War’s magic ripped some of them down, stuffing them deep inside a trashcan, before I could see what other plans they had considered. I’ll admit that was rather strange, but the gems I was going to receive were, as he put it, simply dazzling. “Alright, so you guys dragged me back out from what would have been a decent retirement with my family for some job I don’t even know the name of.” I sat down on a crate crossing my hoofs.

Oceans scoffed after I said I would have been retired. In all honesty a life of crime wasn’t looking as nice as it was a couple years ago. I mean back when Silver Shoe and I … keep it together … back when Silver Shoe and I decided to become professional thief’s it was to help the good ponies in our former prison. After the casino heist this just seemed to be the wrong profession to go at alone. Rusty cleared his throat, “We’re becoming assassins.” I paused every thought in my head.

“Well, that’s a new one for me. Daring?” I looked at her.

Her jaw had dropped with a look on her face that said she didn’t know what to think of that. Yeah, we come from a world of thieves, liars and cheaters. Not the world of stealth takes downs, silent kills in the night with years of martial arts training to back it up. This sounds like I’m taking one step from what I’m used to. “Yeah, War not to punch a hoof in this plan, but we’re professional robbers,” Daring actually sounded a little sassy with that remark. “Our skill set isn’t tailored to this job.” I hummed in agreement.

Oceans opened his mouth, but Rusty put his hoof up and stopped him. “I’m sorry to hear that but you two are going to help us anyway. The job you guys signed up for in Stable Grounds was a two part job.” Yeah, is anyone here forgetting the fact I lost a bet. I’m not trying to sound ungrateful, I mean if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have found Glider within a day or so of going missing. “The first part was the heist so naturally the second part is going to be a bit more … extreme.” I scoffed. Extreme? That was an understatement.

War was kicking back on a barrel just letting this unfold. It was clear from the expression on his face he was going to convince us to stay in this job until we saw it through to the end. Just when I thought I was out they pulled me back in. I put my hoof up. “Alright, alright. What’s the pay?” Rusty looked at Oceans. They were having some sort of mental conversation with each other. I was beginning to realize these guys had spent a lot of time together. So much time that they could probably finish their sentences.

“Fifty thousand bits worth of gems,” War spoke up pointing at a picture of the gems Daring had won. “And before you ask, yes, Daring, those are the bits you won for us. They were for bribing this stallion to come back.” Daring put two and two together realizing right away that was there plan for any sucker to come back. She had a sour scowl on her face and her teeth were grinding together.

“I’m in, but you’d better pay up when this is over,” I said rather sourly to all three of them. Daring gave me a hoof bump. You know, it actually feels great to be on the same page for once. This mare’s cool with me now.

Rusty shook his head turning his attention to the plans posted against the wall. There was a large map of the city next to our check list of other important tasks we needed to get done before we could attempt our mission. The tan stallion walked over to the plans and whistled to get our attention. “Time to catch everyone up to speed.” His hoof pointed at a picture of Dead Eye. “This stallion is one we all know, Dead Eye. He arrived in Harbor City this morning at ten o’clock with his personal assassin known only as Shelby.” I felt my jaw wanting to drop. So he wants thieves to go up against an assassin. Stranger things have happened in Equestria before. “Now this job will lead into a third job, but after we’re done here if any pony feels strongly about quitting then by all means make your exit.” Daring pulled her helmet down to cover her eyes.

I couldn’t tell if she wanted to quit or not. After all this specific line of work isn’t for us, but if they’re pulling us both back in now then they must be pressed for time. Rusty’s soothing voice drew me back in, “Our mark is Dead Eye, again. This time we’re going to put him six feet under with a bullet through his skull.”

I put my hoof up. “Why didn’t we just do that at the casino?”

“Too much security and not the place.” Oceans cut in.

Rusty cleared his throat with a rather thunderous effect following it. “Look, as much as I wanted to get rid of Dead Eye that night, it just wasn’t in the cards.” War’s horn lit up levitating up more pictures. There were ponies throwing fire bottles at some zebra guards. “This place is better suited for an assassination. The second Dead Eye is confronted with ponies that know what they’re doing the entire city will rise up in rebellion. You think our corrupt casino owner was bad in Las Pegasus, just wait until you see his police force.” I folded my fore hooves together.

Well this job just got a lot more interesting. “Where did you guys get these photos from?” I kept looking them over eyeing the dates printed on them. They were taken not long before the casino heist.

“Not Important,” Rusty answered back.

Daring and I looked at each other. “What do you mean not important.” Daring spat back. “I’d like to know the pony we’re getting this information from is legit and not someone that’s going to throw us under an autowagon.” What the hell is an autowagon? Seriously. Any pony going to … alright. Question for another time.

“Again, Not Important.”

Daring’s teeth started grinding together. Oceans put a hoof on her. “Her name is Not Important.”

OOOOOH!

That makes sense. “Carry on then.” I got quiet.

Daring simmered down a bit to. Good to know they got on her nerves sometimes to. Rusty pointed at a place called the Griffon Feather Hotel. “We’ll be staying here, a street away from Dead Eye’s hotel.” Now I’m a bit confused. Why do all of this with five ponies when you could do it yourself, on top of a roof with a high powered sniper rifle. Rusty pointed at me, “I know that look, and no. See Dead Eye has a room in the center of the hotel. No sniper rifle has enough force to punch through that many walls and critically hit their mark.” Alright that’s good enough for me. “Not Important has gotten involved with the rebel group lying low in the city and gave them a gift to convince them to fight with us when things get heavy, but we’re not ready for that yet.”

“Clearly,” Daring muttered under her breath.

Rusty pointed to a picture of an armory set up near the edge of the city. Celestia, that son of a bitch looks tough to get into, please bless whichever one of us is busting in. From the picture alone I would say that’s at least a five foot deep concrete wall with what’s probably going to be metal support beam reinforcements.

Rusty didn’t seem worried. “We’re pulling off two plans at once. While we’re in the city, you two,” he pointed at me and Daring, “are going to find a way into the glider manufacturing facility for two reasons. We’re going to need something with a lot of power to pull the machine gun that our side of the team will be stealing from the armory. Plus we to need to draw attention away from our side.” A double heist. Now that I did not see coming. “Also, when we get inside we’ll need to travel through the cities blind spots. Runner, stick with Daring I’ve already given her enough information to get you two anywhere you want without being seen much.”

Now see this is the kind of stuff I could get used to doing if it was with a team. I miss doing this stuff with Silver Shoe. I let out a low sigh.

Continuing along with the plan, Rusty pointed to several spots circled in red. “While in the city, when we’re not using the blind spots to get around, you’ll need to keep quiet and out of the way. You must assume that you are always being watched.” My heart rate started picking up. This was beginning to sound very familiar. “And before you ask any questions, our room in the hotel was debugged thanks to Not Important.” That settles my concern about the room, but the more I learn about Harbor City the more I’m starting to worry that this is going to be more familiar to me than I want it to.

Alright, now back to the machine gun these guys mentioned. Rusty said we needed a glider with a lot of power to pull the son of bitch. Machine guns aren’t that heavy. I voiced my observation to Rusty.

“Good point, but you’re thinking small.” Rusty nudged his head up at a photo of a large piece of machinery. Six long barrels took up most of the photograph, there was a crank mounted to the side of it, as well several large ammo crates positioned near the weapon. It was the only weapon I knew that could fire almost as fast as a mini gun not to mention it was just short of it.

My jaw dropped. That is the most beautiful classic weapon I had ever seen. “Alright, I’ll find you something with enough power to move it. Daring, you just keep me company and watch my flank.”

“Watch your flank? Why can’t I choose the glider,” she shot back at me.

“Because you probably don’t know gliders. Do you?” Daring opened her mouth then closed it. Yeah, that’s what I thought. “I know gliders, you know weapons. You also know that I’m going to pay dearly for saying that.” She gave me an unamused hum. The other three stallions in the room were nonchalantly whistling to themselves. Now if only I could stop stealing glances at her. I took another quick unnoticed glance.

Rusty cleared his throat and tapped his hoof against the wall. We both turned our attention back to the planning wall. “I’m going to warn you both prior to entering the city, don’t start any fights you can’t finish. I mean it. These zebra guards are trained in Calenbra, Han’s style, and a verity of ground fighting styles.” I’m starting to dislike this plan a lot more now. I mean it’s a lot of bits, but those are some nasty cops to go up against. “Oh and one more thing, they’re authorized to use lethal force. Remember their martial art styles can kill you with a single hoof strike if you’re not careful.”

I know he turned his back on the crew, but I really wish Han was here. Having him with us would really put my mind and heart rate at ease. Daring muttered under her breath, “Bring it.”

*** ***

“You saw Him!” Daring galloped around the table diving for my neck. I stumbled back into War while Rusty slipped his fore hoof around Daring’s neck, pulling her back.

“Enough! Both of you,” War shouted over us with his horn lit. Daring and I were levitated up away from one another. “Runner is that true. Did you see Han?” I reluctantly nodded. “Why didn’t you say anything to us about it?”

I had to tell them what happened after the heist. It didn’t feel right to keep that knowledge to myself. Plus if I was going to leave this crew after the job was done then I was damn sure I was going out with a clear conscience. “He got the better of my curiosity and showed me how he stole the gems in the vault, or at least how he got to them.” War opened his mouth to speak, but stopped with an understanding nod. He waved at hoof at Rusty. Daring was released. She crouched down but War stepped in between us.

“That’s understandable. I remember the first time I met a thief better than me.” War nudged Daring back a hoof step. There were thieves better than these guys? Bullshit. We’ve got everything we need. The gunslinger-turned-cheater, the charismatic talker and the guy who knows how to get shit done. “He had to lower the support beams under the building to get his score. Things were easier back then.” Daring chuckled at that while she put her helmet on top of the bar. Her eyes shifted between me and the map of Harbor City.

After we got off the train, War gave us directions to the hotel room then we all checked in. I won’t lie, this place was fantastic! At least the room was. Rusty pulled some strings with his share of bits from the last job and here we are, V.I.P suite big enough to house all of us. There was no denying it Rusty had style.

Daring started looking the map over with me, noticing something I didn’t. Her eyes kept scanning the two locations on the map. “War,” she shook her head, “these places are several miles apart from each other. You honestly expect me and gearhead over there to get a glider to you without being seen?”

Rusty pulled out a marker and circled an alleyway. “You’ll use the sewer system to get around the city. There aren’t any guards down there, but you’ll have to be extra careful with the noise level. Infected broke in several years ago.” Every muscle in my body tensed up. I really, really, really don’t like infected. They’re up there on my list of top three things to stay away from. The other two are manticores and chimeras, which I noticed weren’t really around populated areas like cities! Thank the Princesses.

Taking in a slow, deep breath Daring nodded. She had to prep herself for this to. I haven’t seen her deal with infected yet, but I’m willing to be she has more experience than Rusty or Oceans. Please Celestia, let Daring be good at killing those things. “Now it’s important for you both to know, we need you to make as much noise as you can. Get the cops attention and get a lot of it before escaping in the sewers.” My jaw dropped. So what he’s saying is they want us to go in guns-a-blazing, come back out doing the same thing then try to leave with our saddle bags bulging. “Don’t worry they won’t follow you down under, as it turns out martial art styles don’t work very well after an infected’s had time to turn a bit more.”

Good to know seeing as how I’ve literally thrown myself into them a couple of times. War clapped his hoofs together. “That being said, it’s time to break. Good luck and stay out of trouble.” Daring gave team two a sarcastic laugh while they trotted out the door. Once it closed her attention went straight to me.

“How’d he do it,” she spoke bluntly.

I smiled and remembered how he did it. Music and martial arts rolled into one thing. “Laser dance.”

“Laser dance?”

“Laser dance,” I gave her nod with that answer.

We stood together in dead silence. I just stared at Daring’s eyes while she tried to figure out how one zebra could get through the laser field without being touched. The part that stumped me was the fact he had to get back through with all the gems. Either that or he found some other way out.

Daring groaned in defeat. Her hoof pointed at a picture of the standard weapons a zebra was given. “We need to be light on our hooves. These guys are given Assault SMGs and grenades on top of their lethal fighting style.” I sighed.

This day just keeps getting better and better. Daring strapped her saddle bags on and we went out the door. Time was being wasted the longer we stayed here and we were on a schedule. We trotted down the stairs taking note of the ponies keeping their distance. “So I’ve got a question for you.” My adventurous friend gave me a simple hum. “Are you related to Daring Do? The one on the Daring Do books?”

“As a matter of fact, I am. She’s my many great grandmother.” I called it. I so called that. So Daring comes from a long line of ponies that kicked ass on a regular basis. I’m starting to like my chances of getting out of this place alive.

We reached the ground floor and made it through the revolving door. The moment we stepped outside I looked at the brick wall surrounding us on all sides. My heart rate was at a considerably higher pace than usual when I remembered I was inside of a … well it’s something, but’s not what I’m thinking it is. I caught the sight of a large mobile turret positioned on top of the wall. Actually, it was turrets and very large ones at that. “Yikes, he’s got some serious fire power inside and outside this place.” Daring let out an unamused chuckle.

My eyes took their time scanning the area while we walked down the sidewalk. I took note of the ponies going out of their way to avoid the main roads. There was quite a few of them. Daring cleared her throat, “You know this pith helmet actually belonged to the Daring Do you mentioned. It’s been passed down a couple generations, I’ve lost track of how many though.” I smiled. I’m a little surprised she didn’t mention that when we were stuck at the bar. Guess you never truly know everything about a pony.

WHACK!

“GET ON THE GROUND NOW!”

We both halted in our tracks. Some zebra kicked open a door belonging to a hotel, shoving three ponies in front of him, several armed reinforcements kept laser sights pointed at their heads. Violently being shoved to the ground the ponies did nothing to stop them, crowds began to form from all the commotion, while one civilian tried charging the reinforcements. He was shot in self-defense. “Let this be a lesson to any and all ponies conspiring against King Sombra.”

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Daring twitched. Her fore hoof scrapped against the ground. “What the hell are they doing,” she growled lowly. I put my hoof on her, doing my best to hold her back, as every fiber in her body seemed to jolt forward all at once. I bit down on her mane, then pulled her into a tight embrace, just in time as our fidgeting caught a pony’s attention.

“That’s what they get.” One pony said to another.

“Sombra offers us protection and these jackasses want to ruin it.” The other pony nickered.

Daring’s jaw dropped and her former pissed off look was replaced with a scowl the likes of which I never wanted to see on her or any pony else’s face. I slid my hoof around her neck giving her a shocking tug away from the crowd before they had the chance to figure out she wasn’t pissed at the ponies on the ground. “Cool it,” I whispered demandingly into her ear. I pulled her around a corner.

“What the hell was that?” Daring’s hoof pointed at the corner while I walked past her.

She didn’t know? Alright so I wasn’t completely under a rock while living in that prison. Daring has lived, for the most part, a free life where all she has to worry about are infected or corrupt ponies. “That’s my world,” I said almost out of breath.

Memories flashed through my head of every single raid the cops had done to the innocent ponies who were still struggling to this day. Their guns being turned on the unarmed as if hunting some of them down just for sport. This place was slowly becoming something I had been accustomed to.

Daring’s jaw stayed open while she looked back at the corner. Her eyes went from the corner back to me several times. There was no doubt she didn’t believe I could have come from a place like this.

Daring’s angered expression morphed into that of sorrow. “That’s what you had to deal with on a regular basis?” Her tone turned soft.

I gave her a fearful nod while my eyes darted around looking for any pony or zebra following us. This was nothing more than a reminder to make sure this plan was a success. These ponies are living in a prison and judging by the amount of unicorns here, Sombra has a plan for them. All of them.

Daring shut her mouth and we trotted into an alleyway far from the ponies that could rat us out. Her hoof went out in front of me. Stopping me. “Right here. Let’s use these abandoned buildings to get inside the factory. I’m willing to bet there are cameras set up the closer we get.” I hummed in agreement. The boards barricading the windows next to us, engulfed in my magic, ripped away. Following Daring inside, I made sure to reattach the boards to keep any other ponies out.

We ended up choosing a rundown garage to jump into. It was a dump, even the glider sitting inside it looked like a piece of crap, but I felt right at home. Home being defined as standing near a glider. Compared to my Mustang this rusted glider wasn’t in that great a condition, but this, no, this made that look like a million bits made out of the shiniest gems. Daring circled it before giving it a pathetic head shake. “I really don’t see the big deal in getting one of these.” My jaw dropped. “It’s just a jetpack with wings that lets you fall in style.”

Fall in style! Fall in style! “Are you kidding me?”

“It’s a giant tuning fork.” Daring teased as she pretended to hear it ring.

Tuning fork. You’re calling this a tuning fork. “Whoa, whoa, Daring this is more than just a piece of crap … well this one is a piece of crap, but not all of them are like that or look like this.” I galloped over to her, then gave her a playful shove under the rusted stands. Once she was comfortably uncomfortable under the glider I slid underneath it then popped out on the other side. I faced her while she looked at me confused. “You have no idea what any of this stuff does do you?” She shook her head.

I let out a long sigh. Alright, let’s go over the bare minimum basics. My hoof pointed at the cracked glass running along the metal that protected the pony’s body from taking critical damage. “That’s the wing speedometer, pretty self-explanatory, it keeps track of your wing power while you’re moving.” Daring nodded dusting the glass off. Part of it cracked in response. My hoof went to the other side which had several buttons attached to it. “This is where your radio goes and any other gadgets you need a button to power on or off. The only thing that doesn’t go there is NOS; that goes on the other side.” Daring nodded with an uncomfortable smile. “Behind you,” I turned her head to the groove, “is where you would put her back. There’s usually padding that goes there to keep you comfortable while flying.”

Daring hummed and leaned back. She twitched a bit then took a comfortable step back to her uncomfortable position. I looked underneath the glider noticing metal shards sticking out all over. Daring sucked in her gut, slowly squeezing between me and the rest of the glider, she moved over to a staircase upon freeing herself. “As much as I’m enjoying this conversation, I’m pretty sure it should wait until we have a better glider.” I nodded in agreement. However, I did notice she was actually interested in what I was saying!

Daring set her saddle bags down and pulled out two black bullet proof vests for us to wear along with matching masks. I took my vest quickly sliding it on.

“Fine, but I’m not done showing you why these things are boss.” She rolled her eyes at me before putting on her mask. Daring slid her vest on and we galloped up a set of creaky steps to the highest floor. Once we were sure there was a building across from us, my magic ripped boards away; Daring got ready to jump. I did the same thing to the building across from us as well as open the window. Daring jumped over the gap between the buildings landing safely. I followed her and put everything back the way it was.

*** ***

We jumped from building to building for what seemed like forever. At one point I got stuck in between the gap while a pair of zebras were enjoying a peaceful meal together. Thank the Princesses they finished after the longest minute in Equestria history had passed.

I stared out one of the windows spying a blind spot in between the camera system set up along the factory roofing. It was similar to the one Princess Twilight had installed in Fillydelphia which meant we had ample time to do what we needed to do then be back with that spot still open. “Do you have any schematics of the place?” I looked at Daring and she shook her head.

“I figured most of this place is used to build the damn things, so no.” Daring intoned dryly.

I sighed opening the window up. My hoof pointed at my eyes then at hers.

I had my eyes on her.

Daring understood exactly what it meant. No idea how, but she did none the less. With a large amount of focus, along with an abundance of magic coursing through my horn, the window to the factory opened. We jumped over to the window and I hit the wall. Daring swooped down, taking me in her hooves with a tight grip, before gliding us into through the opening.

I slammed it shut with my magic, holding my breath as we landed. We starred at an empty room with nothing more than a mop bucket lying around with two metal shelves bolted to the wall. “Let’s move,” Daring said swiftly pointing a hoof at the door. I put my hoof on the door knob and the door swung open with a pony on the other side.

“Alright, let me just do this and…”

His jaw dropped simultaneous with swift head swing. My magic reacted instantaneously, pulling the janitor in while Daring bucked him against the wall. She delivered a few punches to his gut before planting a hoof right on his neck to put him asleep. I pushed the door shut while the wall in front of me became transparent. Whoever he had been talking with were already moving away. Wait, those weren’t ponies. They’re zebras.

Daring nudged me. “What do you see?” I looked at her and saw my eyes were glowing in the mirror. My hoof rubbed the glow away. Everything slowly became obscured again.

“Two zebras slacking off on the job, thank Celestia.” We both let out a low exhale together. The walls around me became transparent again.

Walls. Walls were everywhere. So much so, that I couldn’t even begin to figure out which way to go. Actually I could name one hallway not to go down and that was the one the zebras went down. “We’re going to the right.” Daring gave me a nod and we bolted out the door while I slid out of my transparency spell.

We trotted down the hall coming to a pair of double doors that were immediately slammed open. I lost my breath at what lie in front of us. The doors shut behind me, quietly, as my hoofs guided my eyes around a machine of such beauty it gave Daring a run for her money as the most attractive thing in the room.

The glider was three times as wide as any glider I had ever seen so far, I’d go as far to say Brave Day’s glider was completely dwarfed by this thing, which was saying a lot. The two metal blocks that held the wing speedometer and radio was partly made of carbon fiber. In fact the spoiler itself looked exactly like a dragon getting ready to breathe hellfire on us. Underneath the spoiler were tail pipes wrapping around two mufflers that ended a few inches away from the pedals.

This beast was nothing but pure muscle and power, I didn’t need to get a look at its engine to know that, in fact I could tell just from looking at the metal surrounding the wingspan that it had a V8 engine installed in it with at least three turbochargers. I pointed a hoof at it. “Do you know what this is? Do you know what this is?

“No, I don’t, do you?”

“No idea, but it looks soooo coooool!”

Daring face hoofed. I spared her a moment of my attention before returning to the huge beast in front of me. Daring slowly walked around it. “Speaking of ‘cool,’ when did you get so calm and collected? Last time I saw you, you were a nervous wreck.” My eyes took in every bit of detail this thing had. I half listened to what Daring was saying to me, all I wanted to do was take this glider apart to find out what made it so irresistible to look at. I mean, this shit was evil looking, but its stance, the weight on the back end. It was so beautiful!

When did I get so calm and collected? This was considered calm? “Ah, sometime between balling my eyes out with my best friend’s sister and waking up the next morning.”

Who knew getting a little emotional could actually help you out. Seriously, I must have had so much repressed thoughts that went beyond just Silver Shoe. It felt good getting it off my chest.

Daring turned to me almost ready to say something. Nothing came out of her mouth. Her eyes darted between me and the glider excitedly. “Let’s take this one.” My jaw dropped in happiness!

REALLY?!

Daring rolled her eyes and nodded. I just about gave her a hug, but something attached under the hood caught my attention as I slid into my transparency spell. Daring waited for me to say something. She nudged me. “You going to at least say ‘thank you,’ come on you’re practically in love with that thing.” Focusing my magic a bit more I slowly made the entire frame of the unmarked glider become transparent enough to look like it was a schematic drawing.

A small device the size of a marble was blinking red near one of the turbochargers. I was right, there were three turbos. I let out a loud groan and threw one of my hoofs up while taking another walk around the glider. “We can’t, there’s a tracking device in it. The moment we set hoof outside this factory, that thing will go off and alert whoever is in charge.” Daring didn’t look ready to throw in the towel. Her next bet was to pop the hood and look inside.

“Well then let’s rip it out,” she hissed.

I put my hoof against her vest slowly guiding her away from the glider. That would be too easy. My horn lit up even brighter until I could see every wire. The wires connected to the engine caught my attention. There were a lot of things wired together around the engine. Something was interesting about this setup though. Another marble sized tracker was attached to some other wires deep down inside the engine bay. “Even if we do, there’s a second tracker wired into the gliders very core. We aren’t getting out of here with it.” Daring groaned while hitting her head gently against the wall. “Unless you feel like trying to pull of some impossible mission here.”

Her head moved away from the wall while she gave me a very irritated look. My hooves went up in self-defense. She chuckled lightly, trying not to let me hear that, while we moved to the double doors. “Let’s just move to the east end of the factory.” I hummed galloping out the doors alongside her giving the glider one last glance.

That’s a bummer. I really wanted to use that. It had all the power we needed and then some. I shook my head and kept moving down the dull grey hallway. We passed a few closets every so often, Daring stopped by our closet making sure to tie the janitor up. It seemed that in this entire factory there was only one glider! We trotted around a few turns until our light walk became a gallop.

I galloped around a corner and slid to a stop. Daring halted next to me with her jaw slightly open. Two zebras looked up at us, but we weren’t looking at them, our attention was on the dozens of zebras behind them.

“Halt!”

I threw the speaking zebra into the crowd with my magic. Daring bolted back down the hallway we had come through double time, her mouth bit down on my mane, pulling my frozen body with her. I zig-zagged down the hall while my left ear twitched. The sounds of zebras landing on the ground attempting to plunge a hoof strike into my neck rang though both ears.

Daring pulled out a pistol with a silencer attached to it. She slid against the tile and aimed at any zebra she could get her sights on. Several low cracks escaped the gun.

Pfft. Pffft.

Pffft. Pffft.

I kept my head straight and galloped around another corner. From the sounds behind us, none of Daring’s bullets hit. That was a surprise!

We kept moving. My hooves pulled me forward with everything I could muster up. I looked back at the zebras to see they were closing in! And fast. Daring tried to reload, but dropped her ammo clip. We turned another corner and galloped down the hall not once looking back.

WA-THUNK!

I shoved the double doors closed behind us wrapping a wire around the handles. Once it was tied in a knot I backed away hearing loud thuds echo from the other side. Daring trotted over to a metal garage door trying to pry it open. It budged a little and stopped part way up. “It’s locked,” she said almost out of breath.

“Locked!” I called back at her.

Shit. What the hell do we do?

My hoof tapped the ground and then planted itself against the cold tile. Daring tried pulling the door back up again and groaned. She released it letting the hunk of metal rattle as it hit the ground. My eyes went straight to the unmarked glider. “Get on the glider,” I commanded. Daring looked at me taking a step back. “You heard me.” I slid underneath the groove putting my back against the cool leathery pads.

I brought one of the panels down and started jacking with the wires. Loud banging caught my attention. My eyes went to the door and I started moving my hooves faster. “Can’t you go any faster?” I gave Daring an irritated look.

Zptptp!

VERRRRRRREUUUUUUUUUU!

VERRRRRRRRRREUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

“I’m about to unleash the beast!”

VEEEERUUUUU! VERUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

“What,” Daring’s voice cracked. She jumped on top of the glider and pulled out a sub machine gun with a silencer attached to it. Her free hoof gripped the block’s edge tightly. The banging continued and I turn faced the doors. My back hoof hit the retraction pedal and every portion of the wings slowly slid inside of the metal blocks. The doors violently burst open and I hit the gas pedal!

VEEEEEEEEEEEEEERUUUUUUUUUUUU!

“Oh, shit he’s got the,” I mowed down the first zebra. Feeling his stomach get crushed under my hooves. Daring started firing off as many rounds as she could while raging flames exploded out the back tailpipes and mufflers. Flames rose up along the walls setting ablaze to anything in its path including several unlucky zebra manes.

The wing speedometer clocked in with sixty wing power after just five seconds on the dot! Had I been outside, I would have ejected the wings out and taken flight, but we weren’t outside, we were stuck inside with tight corners.

My back hoof slammed on the brake making my other three hooves slide against the tiles. Zebras were knocked down like bowling pins having nowhere to escape the giant metal blocks on my sides. The walls started erupting in flames while I power slid to the left and galloped down the hall to my right. Several zebras tried grasping the wingspan, but no matter how many of them there were, each one fell off before having flames doused over them.

Daring rolled firing several more rounds off, I watched each and every zebra stay on the ground frozen. The smile on Daring’s face made my heart jump a little; that was when her smile and my heart stopped. My head snapped forward while my heart went from warm and cozy to frozen with fear. I put my back hoof on the brake pedal and the entire glider shifted its weight a little. The machine swerved forcing the edges to scrape along the wall as dozens of zebras flooded the hallway intersection ahead of me.

Daring fed several of the zebras a mouth full of lead … no … they weren’t being blown to pieces. They were falling to the ground unconscious! Tranquilizers. Daring reloaded her gun then unloaded the clip once more before I plowed through the pack taking out part of the wall with me. A glimpse into the rear view mirror revealed a zebra holding onto the emergency brake with a poorly made melee weapon. A quick tap to the brake pedal made the glider straighten out while I plowed through a small group of ponies the fell like dominos. The zebra fell off while his weapon tore a pair of wires near both brake pedals.

It’s like these guards are just lining up for us!

I could see the end of the hallway not far from where we were. My hoof tapped the brake pedal with the intent to make the machine slide around the next turn. The pedal squeaked.

Oh no.

Please, not that. Anything but that.

I caught a glimpse of Daring looking down at the brakes. She nudged my shoulder while flames began setting off the fire alarms and sprinklers. “We lost the brakes,” I called out to Daring. We both looked at the wall ahead of us then at each other. Daring jumped on top of my back aiming her mouth at the strap near my stomach.

NO NO NO NO NO NO!

NO!

Daring undid the straps and grabbed onto me. Her weight knocked me to the ground rolling us into an open closet while the flaming glider went straight into the wall. Everything around us shook the moment we hit some metal shelving making it fall down on top of us along with buckets and bottles of cleaning tools.

*** ***

“I’m about to unleash a beast, he says,” Daring growled under her breath while we climbed through a large window far away from the glider wreckage. This mare might be an attractive one, but Celestia get her to stop talking! It’s like listening to Silver Shoe go on and on.

Celestia knows how badly I wanted to levitate some ear plugs, but for the life of me there was nothing but roofing tiles all around us. The thought of using my hooves crossed my mind, but then again I can’t walk on two hooves.

“We lost the brakes, he says,” Daring hissed. I avoided eye contact with her for as long as I could. Oddly enough, it wasn’t as difficult as a pony would think. It helped that she was pissed off at me. I kept low to the roofing and crept over to the window a few feet away from us. Once I was positioned in front of the glass I peered inside. “Can’t believe I’m even talking to you.” She grumbled under her breath but loud enough for me to hear her.

GLIDERS! So many gliders! My jaw dropped.

Daring started to comment again and my hoof went straight to her mouth. “Shush it.” Her jaw dropped. I could feel the burning sting from the glare she was shooting my direction. Did I just really tell Daring to keep quiet? I swear my mouth needs a filter on it. “We need to get in there.” Daring poked her head in front of the window and nodded. As quietly as I could, using my magic with as little glow as possible, I opened the window just enough to squeeze our flanks inside.

We dropped down landing atop a wood platform near a wall of crates forming a staircase. There was a path branching off to what I assume is the other part of the factory. The path going to my right was leading straight to an office. I questioned how to get the glider out. Several scenarios passed through my head only to have one seemingly sensible plan catch my attention.

I looked at the window, “We could use that window if it’s opened wide enough. It’s big enough for a glider to fit through, albeit barley.” Daring hummed creeping forward to the edge of the walkway. Our gazes went out to the factory floor where dozens of Challengers were positioned near a closed shutter gate. “Sure could use a distraction though.” Daring reached into her saddle bags retrieving some sticky bombs.

A little bit excessive by my standards, but I’ll go along with it. Two exotic accents caught our attention. We turned to the path leading deeper into the factory and froze. Two zebras were heading in our direction, thankfully caught up in their conversation so much so they didn’t notice us on the connecting path.  Daring jumped into an open crate while I slid underneath a small stack of crates that formed a small fort. My hoof brought down a tarp that shielded me from view.

“Those thieves have raised Dead Eye’s alarm,” one of them said to the other.

The other one hummed, “Very true. They are sending Her to investigate.”

“The winged one,” the first zebra questioned while he walked by. His shadow danced along the tarp like a crappy shadow puppet show. “Shelby is not one to fool around.”

Their hoof steps drifted off and I moved out from cover. Daring crept up behind me with her full attention focused on the office building. “Runner, you get the glider. I’m going to leave a little gift for these guys.” My only concern was that she’d overdo it, so I voiced my concern. Daring gave me a coy smile. I love to hate that look on her face … I mean I hate to love that … she needs to stop smiling. I squeezed my fat flank through the narrow wood railing and dropped down to the factory floor. My head snapped over to where Daring was at. She was gone.

All of my attention went back to the gliders while I hid behind a few crates. I peeked around the corner to get a glimpse of the zebra mechanics working on an unmarked glider that looked eerily similar to the one I wreaked just a couple minutes ago. The unmarked glider became transparent to my eyes. My jaw dropped. A V12 engine was mounted inside the glider making it even better than the one I had used. Just like the other there were three turbochargers ramping up the power output to an unbelievable amount. “I must have wreaked the previous model.” So that leaves me with one question.

What the hell is Dead Eye planning on doing with this? It’s not like he’s going around flying fast gliders.

I looked over to the Challengers with a devious smile. Keeping low to the ground, I moved over to them. The first glider I went to would do just fine. My horn started glowing brighter and a few of the gliders became transparent. From the looks of it the gliders were practically the same. They had about five hundred horsepower a piece. “Yup, this is it.” My horn stopped glowing. You know if Dead Eye’s plan doesn’t actually work out then he could always start selling gliders. Actually, he should start doing that right now. Save all of us the trouble of trying to kill him.

I looked at the ignition slot feeling around for a key. Nothing. My head poked up from behind the glider. All the keys for the Challengers were attached to a bulletin board behind the mechanics. All the way on the other side of the room. I gave out a low groan. Why can’t this shit ever be easy?

Explosions!

Fiery bombastic explosives ripped everything from the office building to the roof apart, sending debris crashing down towards me, along with alerting every mechanic in the area. My horn lit up and I ripped a key away from the board. I caught it in my teeth and slid under the Challenger while several roofing tiles broke apart on top of it. My back went straight onto the padding while I strapped myself in. I threw the key in the ignition slot. More debris came crashing down on me while another round of explosions ripped apart the walkway to the other part of the factory.

“Some pony get Shelby down here!” A zebra called out to any pony listening.

“Time to unleash another beast!” I said that a little too loud.

The mechanics looked up from cover noticing me right away. One of them bolted for the glider and I galloped off to the window. My horn lit up and turned the key just enough so that the easy-lift feature could activate. Several zebras started gaining on me and dropped down to the ground when several loud cracks went off. I looked around for the source of the gunfire to find Daring leaning into a rifle. There was a guard lying unconscious which explained where she got the gun from.

My hooves carried me up the stairs then up the stack of crates that formed a makeshift staircase. Daring and I galloped up the crates as fast as we could; gunfire went off in our direction. Another eruption of bombastic explosions took out a small section of roofing making it collapse down on some zebras.

I jumped out onto the small portion of roof we had climbed on. The Challenger dipped to the right and I slid off. “Daring!” My hooves caught hold of the roofing but the sheer weight from the glider nearly ripped me in half. Every part of my back was screaming to just release the hunk of machinery. Daring came to a sliding halt, wrapping her hoofs in mine.

Half of her body came sliding off with mine while the sound of shouting zebras caught my attention. Daring gasped for air and kept trying to pull me up. “This thing is heavier than a full grown dragon!” My horn started to light up. Hang on Daring, I’ve got an idea. The key started turning more. Come on.

Just as the key began to start the glider up, a throwing knife knocked the key out of the slot and down to the ground. The knife lodged itself in the room. My eyes went straight to the emblem printed on it. There was a gold griffon embedded in the handle.

“YEUP!”

Daring yelped out in pain just as I pulled us both clear off the roof. My hooves wrapped around Daring and held her close while we bombarded the ground with a clatter and loud thud. Daring rolled away from me cringing with pain. Her wing moved away from her stomach revealing a shining throwing knife lodged in her stomach. She bit down on it and pulled it out letting blood drip down. I brought a hoof to my head feeling a bump starting to swell up where I had apparently hit my head. I was so busy paying attention to Daring I hadn’t even felt the impact.

“I’m fine,” Daring spat in panic. “Let’s keep moving.”

Couldn’t agree more. We both stood up breaking into a gallop down the alleyway. Sirens began wailing and I looked at Daring. She rolled her eyes. I’m sure she was thinking the same thing I was. We were causing more than enough commotion to keep the cops attention off of the armory. Daring put her muzzle close to the ground and bit down on something shiny. She threw it to me; my horn lit up just in time to catch it in my magic field. It was my key! “There’s a sewer pipe not too far away from here. Just keep moving!” My hooves poured on the speed a bit more while I slid my key into the ignition slot.

VERRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUU! VERUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

That’s more like it!

I dipped part of the metal blocks down using the tip to knock Daring on top of the Challenger. My back hoof hit the gas pedal and we started moving at fifty wing power. Daring hit my back. “Above us!” I looked up simultaneously hitting the brake while three throwing knifes lodged themselves in front of me. My hooves pushed against the ground propelling me right over the weapons.

THUNK!

My eyes looked at the rear view mirror. Standing on the edge of a partially ejected wing, a griffon wearing a black vest with four pistols strapped to it set her sights on Daring, her gruff expression sent my body into a fit of tension. She reached inside of her vest and threw several throwing knives at Daring. My pegasus friend jumped to a building shattering the window to avoid being hit by the knives. I pushed off against the ground and tried to use the fire escapes to knock the son of a bitch away. She pushed off the Challenger and flew up a story while the window above us shattered. I closed my eyes, looking down while shards of glass rained down on top of us. By the time I opened my eyes there was a dog fight going on between Daring and the griffon. Daring tried punching her in the face, but her hoof was caught, then forced face first firmly into the brick wall.

I jumped up and caught Daring while she shook off the injuries. From the look on her face she wasn’t doing so hot signaling that it was only a matter of time before she collapsed. Daring whipped out a pistol, wiggling free from my grasp in the process, before open firing on the griffon while I hit the ground galloping over a road into the next alleyway. Ponies and zebras looked at us and started trying to catch glimpses of what was going on. Glimpses of zebras in my rear view mirror were the only thing telling me where they were on the roof. They were armed to the teeth.

The griffon grabbed something inside of her vest and threw it at us while she broke a window to take cover. My eyes grew wide. She threw a grenade! A freaking grenade!

Daring’s jaw dropped while I hit the gas pedal down. My head wiped forward and I was greeted with the sight of a metal gate attached to the pipe. “Keep going!” Daring’s voice rang through my ears, through all my senses, demanding that I trust her. I slammed my eyes shut with my ears tuned to the bombastic ear shattering sounds of an explosive going off.  I put my hoofs up as the sound of banging metal replaced the explosive grenade ringing. The strap around my stomach came undone while I grabbed Daring’s hoof. Water came up around me, darkness covering my field of vision, leaving Daring completely gone from my line of sight.

Operation Stealth

Chapter Sixteen: Operation Stealth

Drip …

I gasped for air and coughed violently making every direction echo with my hacks. Daring kicked her hooves around somehow tearing her mask away from her face. She discarded the clothing desperately looking around in the darkness. The slight glow from my horn brought me to her. We floated up and down for a moment and just caught our breath.

Drip …

Everything played back through my mind in an instant. The griffon’s grenade exploding. Daring and I soaring into the gate making it pop open then slam shut. All of that happened in just a split second then the next thing we knew there was no air. Now we have air, but no light.

Drip …

My hoof felt around for something to grab onto, but all I could find was water. Daring flapped her wings and rose up out of the water. Shaking her fur like a wet dog, my pegasus friend frantically looked around for some other light. Still nothing but darkness.

“You alright,” I quietly called out to her.

Daring hummed in return, although I couldn’t tell if it was a good hum or a bad one. The sound of her wings flapping started to echo around in tune to the dripping water. I started moving forward and swam to whatever I could find. My hoof hit something cold and made of stone. Daring landed on that same surface reaching a hoof out to me in the process. I gripped her hoof with mine and she pulled me out.

Daring stretched out a little. “Dead Eye has a griffon assassin on his side. I don’t know about you, but I’m not liking our odds of getting through this mission with our coats still intact.” I’ll be flat out honest. I have no idea what the big deal is about having a griffon assassin on the opposing side of things.

“In case you don’t know, part of the Griffon Kingdom across the sea trains a special division of fighters in every griffon martial arts style known and teaches them about ten different ways to kill any type of prey.”

Celestia, damn them.

I leaned against the cold cobblestone archway looking out into the darkness. Daring nickered. “If my memory serves me then that griffon was from one of the older divisions that got shut down. Most of them became assassins for hire then once they found a boss they liked working for they would protect them until their last breath.” I put my hoof around Daring and gave her a pat on the back. “How one of them ended up in Equestria is beyond me.”

“You did well out there against, Shelby, I’m assuming.” I could hear Daring let out a low chuckle, but I couldn’t see if she was smiling or not. Daring pushed herself away from the wall and reached into her saddle bags. She tossed down a working flashlight while I turned it on. My horn lit up holding the light in place while Daring wrapped a bandage rag around the places where … several throwing knives had hit her. I only remember one hitting her.

Daring pulled off her bullet proof vest discarding it into the water. I did the same and watched her tie the bandage rag around any bleeding areas on her stomach. “Stop gawking at me,” her tone became sour.

“I wasn’t gawking at you,” I spat back rather quick.

Daring scoffed putting her medical kit away. Something made the water splash around. The flashlight floated up shining in the direction of the splash. Daring and I just stared at the collapsed pipe that had shielded us from near death. Tons of rubble barricaded us from whoever was on the other side.

Well, looks like were aren’t going back out the way we came. It was then that we noticed the Challenger had become half submerged in the sewer water. I lit up my horn and the thing budged a little. Daring ran a hoof through her wet mane. “Come on, let’s get that thing out of here. And get that mask off your face.” I looked at my reflection in the water noticing my mask was still on. I tore the thing off leaving it in the water.

“AREEEEEEGH!”

A cold shiver went up my spine. My entire body began to shake while Daring became too occupied with the Challenger to notice anything. “Shut up.” I whispered to her.

“AREEEEEEEEGH! AREEEEEEEGH! AREEEEEEEEGH!”

Daring looked up at me irritated, “Excuse me?” Her voice was raised. I pointed my hoof at what I was staring at. That was when Daring got the same ‘oh-shit’ look I had. The clicker stopped twitching and froze. We froze.

“AREEEGH!” The creature lurched towards us traveling down the stone path. Daring was doing something in her bag just before I slid into the murky water pulling us both down.

I opened my eyes underwater while trying not to think of the lack of air in my lungs. Daring was still fidgeting around for something in her bags. My lungs started to burn. I looked up at where we dove down and started silently beating my hoof against the wall. The waters resistance made it difficult to actually hit the wall as hard as I could.

Sweet Celestia and other princesses, please help us!

The urge to open my mouth and gasp for air began to take over. My eyes turned to Daring and she was letting out a few bubbles, from the look on her face she was resisting the same urge I was. Something was in her mouth though. She swam up and brought me with her. We both silently gasped for a breath of fresh air. I could see the clicker’s shadow moving around near the Challenger. “What are you doing,” I whispered to her. There was a gun or something like it in her mouth. “Are you crazy?” Daring flung whatever was in her mouth. Loud clattering sounds echoed in the pipe closest to us. The Clicker looked up and galloped over to the pipe. It twitched around then galloped after the noises shortly after it made one more unnatural noise.

“I’m not that stupid, I know how to get rid of a damn clicker,” Daring growled back.

We both swam to the edge panting profusely. Daring showed me a slot in her gun where the ammo clip was supposed to be. It wasn’t there. That was … actually really smart. “Let’s get this thing out of the water.” We swam underneath the Challenger and pushed as hard as we could. Engulfing the large hunk of metal in my magic, using a tremendous amount of focus that albeit was more than just difficult, I lightened the machine enough for Daring to set it down on stone floor. I climbed out of the water keeping a close eye out for anymore infected.

First thing I could think to do was check to make sure the glider actually worked. I slid underneath the machine putting my back against the soaking wet groove. Shivers went up my spine. “Runner,” Daring took a sniff at the air, “we’re going to need showers after this.”

I took a deep inhale and coughed. “More like a tub of soap with air fresheners hanging around it.” We smelt rancid. And I mean. Rancid. The sewers smelt better than the water, which now that I thought about, was probably a bad idea to get soaked in twice.

Note to self: take a shower when we get out of here. I hate smelling like the business end of a sewer. My eyes scanned the glider a few more times before confirming no damage had been done to the easy-lift feature. I hit the button and lifted the glider up. Thank Celestia! Oh, and you to Princess Luna and Cadence! “Well, submerging part of the engine like that wasn’t an ideal way to keep it out of harm’s way. I’m pretty sure if we just let it dry out it’ll still run.” Daring hummed. “You have a map of this place?”

Daring shook her head and gave me a flat “nu-uh.” I exhaled slowly. This is going to be a long walk. “Why do we need a map? I’ve got a pretty good idea of where we are.” I stopped in my tracks.

“Because I don’t want to hear you complain when we get lost,” I commented before continuing my walking. Daring chuckled a little and eventually gave it a light laugh.

We kept moving and to our luck there were no signs of infected or clickers around us. It felt like an hour had passed before we finally found a turn in the pipe. I set my hoof down in the connecting pipe and froze. Daring followed behind me and her jaw dropped.

Three bloaters were snoring at the end of the pipe and lucky for us there weren’t any other pipes to go into. One of them gurgled up orange sludge that looked like puke. I brought a hoof to my mouth then checked my throat. It was starting to warm up. Daring looked at me with sickness in her face. She looked ready to hurl with me. I dunked my head in the water for a second then pulled it back out. My throat wasn’t warm anymore. Daring looked at me and looked like she wanted to know why I had done that. The answer was simple. I had no idea why, distraction, maybe.

I hit another button on the metal block causing any other portion of the wings to retract back inside. You’d think that would cause some noise, but it doesn’t. Older glider models did that, but not the newer ones. I took in a deep breath and we started walking into the next pipe, the water I had dunked my head into ended at the entrance leaving us without any other escape route except for the other end. Daring moved close to me and seemed to be sweating beads.

With each careful step forward my pulse began to race at a pace I didn’t think possible. It felt like being stalked by a shark in the ocean. Except in this scenario, I could see the enemy, it was the anticipation that these creatures would wake up ready to tear us to shreds that was haunting my mind. That’s what these creatures are, they are the apex infected and when those things wake up it’s not something any pony wants to be near.

My hoof slid a little under the sweat running from my horn to my hoof tips. The first one was still several hoof steps ahead of us, it might as well have been a few inches, because each step sounded like a bottle breaking against the ground. Carefully looking over at Daring I could see her coat was now drenched in sweat. We had been soaking wet before, but neither one of us would say it was from the sewer water.

With the amount of infected I had encountered I would like to say I was decent at figuring out what they reacted to. Regular infected were just feral ponies turned plant like. Clickers were infected that hunted using sound similar to a bat. Bloaters though, not enough ponies have encountered these to figure them out, aside from discovering that their fungus is like armor plating. However if I’ve learned anything from these things I’ve learned that you don’t know anything until you have all the facts. Sadly, I was missing a lot of information on how all three of these infected types acted.

We passed the first one, still holding out breathes.

The hulking creature gurgled out more dark orange sludge. This time spores were released. I reached into my saddle bags and put a cloth to my mouth. Daring did the same. As we moved towards the second one, Daring noticed a large metal pipe in the way and pointed at it. I gently put my fore hooves around it and stepped over it. Daring followed right behind me. The second bloater let out a loud snore and gurgled almost like it was talking in its sleep.

This bloater had the shape of a huge round apple, taking up almost half the freaking pipe. I took a look at Daring while we continued to move towards it. She was actually shaking. Honestly, I’m surprised I hadn’t started shaking yet. I wanted to, badly.

My eyes darted back to the round bloater a few hoof steps away from me. This was insane, seeing three bloaters in one place. From my understanding these things take a long time to reach this stage and there are three of them here. Now I’m starting to understand why those gates open inside the pipe. Keeps the infected ponies at bay.

We passed the second one.

I took another glance at Daring and could see she was now using her hoof to wipe away the sweat around her mane. My body was ready to burst from how fast my heart pumped in and out. I’m surprised being so close to these bombastic creatures hadn’t sent me into a heart attack yet.

The third bloater was just standing there. Unmoving. Frozen. It didn’t snore. It didn’t do anything but stand there. The sheer amount of pressure and weight I was feeling just being near this one was different from all my other encounters. My first encounter with a bloater might not have ended well, but there had been four ponies armed very well against one bloater. My second encounter was a bit rougher since it was like Oceans and Rusty hadn’t been near one of things in their lives. That’s when I took a look at Daring. There was something in her eyes that told me she had encountered at least one of these things before, but it was a moment she never wanted to relive ever again. I can understand that.

I’d like to believe most of this pressure came from being near three of these towering infected within just a couple hoof steps of each other. I swear the walk from one end to the other was taking longer than it should, but I probably shouldn’t have expected a less stressful trip through here.

We made it out of the bloater mine field and took a left. I tried to stop but bumped into a stack of crates set up like a wall. Several objects toppled down on top of my Challenger making loud clattering sounds echo all around us. Daring and I turned around. All three of the bloaters burped awake and thumped towards us. There was one other way to go. We galloped down what would have been the right hoof pipe leading away from the crated wall.

The ground around us vibrated to the point that my glider’s engine started rattling around. We hung a left into a hallway still big enough for my glider to fit through. Something caught my attention up ahead. A maintenance room with large double doors. I bucked the doors open and let Daring run past. Inside the room were rows of cabinets and tool boxes towering five times the average pony’s height. Daring bucked the door open. “What the hell are you doing?” Her head snapped back at the doors as they began to vibrate. Those things were closing in fast.

“We need that map,” I spat back at her almost to the point I couldn’t understand what I was saying.

My horn lit up and the drawers started emptying themselves. Pencils. Pens. Paper. More paper. A bullet for a gun I didn’t own. Daring groaned as she began tearing open drawers left and right. The glow around my horn started getting brighter while I shoved everything I emptied against the doors to keep them shut.

WHACK!

The cabinets budged almost toppling down. Daring looked at me then at an air vent big enough for a pony to squeeze through. Her gaze went back inside of a drawer and she bit down on a rolled up piece of paper. She got on the desk knocking open the vent quickly. “Daring,” my jaw dropped when she jumped back down. “I guess we stand our ground and fight.”

“Bring it,” she reloaded her pistol aiming it at the door.

Another loud whack made the room shake. The only computer in the room fell down screen first and shattered. My head frantically looked around for some other way out. I had to leave the glider behind. That was the only way we could possibly leave.

WHACK!

Daring looked in her saddle bags and then at me. Her wings started flapping then she flew inside the vent. I called out to her while another loud bang made the entire wall rattle. My horn lit up and put everything in the room against the double doors. “Daring,” I called out. The cabinets flew back and hit the wall letting out a metal groan while they bent out of shape. “Daring, I can’t fit the Challenger in there!”

The entire room shook sending dust down on me just before I lost my balance. Using a free hoof to push me and my machine back up I made one of the walls transparent.

Ear shattering explosions were erupting in one of the pipes. My horn stopped glowing as I looked at the doors. They started vibrating but soon stopped. Daring popped back out from the vent landing on all four hooves. “Now let’s move before they get back,” she whispered in my ear. My horn sparked to life, sending every cabinet back where it came from.

We galloped out the doors going in the opposite direction the bloaters were heading in. Daring tossed a map to me and I caught it with my levitation field. It unrolled revealing a marker of where we were at. Daring looked at it and pointed to where we needed to go. “Alright, let’s move our hooves,” Daring said looking around for infected.

*** ***

Sticky bombs. Left over sticky bombs saved my life!

Daring lay on top of the Challenger while I hit a button that ejected the stands out. I undid the strap and slid out from underneath it making sure to listen carefully for any infected that may have tried to follow us. My ears twitched.

“Here they come.” Daring pointed out the wagon being pulled and pushed by the other … four members of the team. We looked at each other. Once all four of them got to us they dropped to the ground, each letting out a long sigh of relief.

“I have to say, that was quite a fire work show going on.” Rusty Horseshoe waved his hoof around while War lit up his horn to make a little colorful light show go off. Neither I nor Daring were amused. We gave him each a deadpan.

Eleven Oceans put a hoof on Rusty’s shoulder and got up. “Right … well, Daring, Runner.” He pointed at our extra addition. “This is Not Important, our mare on the inside.” I really hope this mare turns out to actually be helping us and not trying to stab the entire crew in the back. War attached the wagon to my Challenger. I popped open the top taking a look at our new machine gun.

Holy crap.

This thing had enough ammo to wipe out any pony we didn’t like. War strapped himself against the glider and used the easy-lift feature. Not Important jumped into the back with me and I hopped out. Oceans took my spot, “Let’s get this thing to your place.”

“I know what to do with it.” The mare waved a hoof and the wagon started moving. Meanwhile Daring jumped into the back of the wagon with them and soon enough they were on their way to wherever Not Important’s place was.

Rusty trotted over to a table with several different weapons set amongst a plethora of gadgets. The first thing he grabbed were two grappling hooks which were thrown around his body then tied in place. An overcoat was pulled over his body next and two pistols were put in the inside pockets.  “Hey, mind if I ask you something,” I asked slowly turning my gaze from the wagon. Rusty hummed while he picked up the most beautiful looking sniper rifle I had ever seen. “Does Daring have a … stallion in her life, you know like … well … you know.” Rusty put his eye against the scope as if he wasn’t even paying attention. He quickly disassembled the rifle putting the deconstructed parts inside of a black brief case.

It was just a simple question. A bit of an embarrassing question.

It’s not like I was gawking at her earlier, for the record, I was checking her out … wait … no I was checking her out to make sure she was okay. Why am I having this argument with myself?

I cleared my throat.

Rusty grabbed a few tranquilizers strung next to some sticky bombs I assumed were not needed for his side of the mission. “I know what you mean but I can’t answer that question.” I opened my mouth and a hoof went up. “And before you ask any more questions. Look it’s not in my nature to be mysterious, but I can’t tell you why and I can’t tell you why I can’t tell you why.” Umm. Alright … I guess. I’m kind of lost now. You are no help. “Not that it’s any of my business, but you shouldn’t be so obvious around her, seriously keep your eyes up here and away from her flanks.” Rusty pointed at his eyes once before setting his hoof back down.

Wait. I haven’t been staring at her flanks. That’s not to say I haven’t stole a few glances, but I haven’t been staring at them that much. “I haven’t been that obvious.”

“Yes you have.” Rusty deadpanned.

My hoof tapped against the ground while I looked around. I didn’t really know the rest of the plan so I voiced my concern.

Rusty’s eyes lit up. “Oh, right. I’ll brief Daring on what’s going on in a while. Okay, so tomorrow Dead Eye’s going to be giving a big presentation. We’ll get him then, but before that I need you to do something.” I raised an eye brow at that. An extra job. “Phase three of our plan requires a list of Sombra’s hideouts. All I need you to do is hack Dead Eye’s computer and get a copy of the locations. War will pay you double your final cut.” Double? As in times two? That’s a lot of bits.

Wait. Hang on. I can’t just go and laser dance my way into Dead Eye’s condo and walk back out with that kind of list. I mean he’s got a freaking griffon assassin ready to pounce and rip our throats out.

“You’ll have Daring backing you up, if that’s anything to take into consideration.” Rusty tightened the belt around his overcoat, hiding every weapon he put inside. I have no idea how he could hide that many weapons.

What is this? A page right out of Grand Theft Glider. I mean I know you can hide a lot of stuff if you’ve been in prison before. Reminds me of those games where your character pulls a rocket launcher out of his pocket and ponies say ‘where’s he keeping that’ or ‘that’s so unrealistic, that’s bull shit.’ I say to them ‘you clearly haven’t met a prisoner, they can keep a lot of stuff hidden in unspeakable places.’

Rusty attached his briefcase to his belt and let out sigh. “I know it’s risky, but we really need this for our next plan. From the way you’re acting I’m pretty sure this will be our lost job with you and it would be nice to have a little memento of your stay.” I slowly nodded. If Daring and I actually pull off a stealth mission without getting caught this will have been a successful day.

“Alright, I’ll do it.”

Rusty looked surprised. He smiled and shook my hoof. “How you go about getting inside his condo is up to you. I’ll be in touch with Daring.” Rusty started trotting up a set of stone stairs and stopped. I followed him while he just stood there blocking my way. “Just don’t do what I did.” I gave him a curious look.

I set my hoof down on the railing and scratched my head. “What exactly did you do?”

“See, I had just pulled a bank job while I was with this cop,” Rusty nickered. “I jumped out the second story window in a hotel.” He kept walking.

I didn’t know Rusty was the kind of guy to hit it and quit it.

My hooves carried me up the stairs until we trotted up to a metal gate blocking our way out. Rusty pulled the door open while I stepped out. Once he was on the other side with me, he closed the gate shut making sure to lock it up tight. “So, are you and Not Important … you know?” I nudged him. The look on his face suggested something entirely different. Actually, he looked more like he was in deep thought.

Rusty stared at me and kept moving. For a stallion that’s not supposed to be mysterious, he’s acting pretty mysterious. “Me and Not Important, no. She’s a mare I met that got here by glider.” It was a one way trip from his tone of voice.

“Actually, if I had gotten the chance I would have married that cop. She was just something else. You know. That one mare that just stuck to me.” He was a thief though. Thieves and cops don’t go together. At least that’s what his eyes are telling me. “I live for this kind of work though, so I’ll stick with it. You know not every stallion and mare are supposed to find a special some pony, some of them are here for a purpose.” Rusty tapped his brief case, “I know what mine is.”

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” I said placing my hoof on a door. “Why did you go along with War’s decision to bring me in on that heist?” I walked into another room and trotted up a small flight of stairs.

“Because Oceans and I saw you freeing those slaves in Brave Day’s mine.” So that pony that saw me in the mine wasn’t supposed to be there! Huh. Talk about being lucky.

We walked up another flight of stairs emerging out into a small junkyard for ruined gliders. Not much was salvageable which, admittedly, disappointed me. I need more parts if I’m going to either rebuild or buy another glider. The sky began to rumble a little. My gaze went from the piles of scrap to the cloudy skies above. A drop of water hit my muzzle. “I’ll catch you later, Rusty. I’m going to have a shower and get some sleep.” I gave him a hoof bump before trotting off to the hotel.

*** ***

KA-BOOM!

My eyes shot open as I rolled off my couch. I hit the ground with a thud and snapped my head around looking for an explosion. My heart was pounding. Thumping. After a few seconds I calmed down and listened to another clap of thunder go by. Daring was sitting at the bar drinking from a bottle of Apple Whiskey. “You talk in your sleep sometimes.” She looked in my direction, but her eyes were staring at the rain pelting the window. “Who’s Glider?”

“Family.” I brought my hooves to my eyes rubbing them slowly. That’s right, I almost forgot we have a job to do. I really don’t want to do a job right now. I mean really, really, really don’t want to.

Daring hummed at me. It sounded more like curiosity. I don’t know why, but that surprises me. I mean she’s got Daring Doo’s blood running through her. Curiosity is running through her blood. I let out a deep sigh and took my hooves away from my eyes. “How are we getting into the condo,” I asked cutting right to the chase. Rusty’s a professional that’s how I know he brought Daring up to speed.

The moment I finished speaking, Daring put her bottle away and grabbed her pith helmet. After a moment of hesitation she groaned and put it down on the bar. That made sense, we didn’t need to worry about something that would slow us down in a stealth mission. Daring cleared hear throat, “Come here.” Her hooves grabbed a pair of masks. She slid hers on and I took mine before doing the same. I followed her out onto the balcony becoming drenched within a second of setting hoof outside. My hoof nudged her. I looked at her and she was unresponsive.

Daring just stood there staring at the hotel down the street. She turned her gaze to me. Now I was starting to feel a little uncomfortable. Was there something on my face? Well, duh, a mask. She leaned in close and I took a step back. She took another step forward. Her breath felt like warm chocolate against my ear. Daring whispered, “Don’t hate me for this.”

SHE PUSHED ME OFF THE BALCONY!

“Oh, shit!”

“Got you!”

Daring wrapped her hooves around me after I plummeted at least two stories. Her wings opened up and took us higher up in the sky. The rain washed down on us like a blanket of snow, keeping us practically invisible. The ponies down below looked hazy to the point they were almost deformed. I turned my gaze up to Daring. “Don’t hate me for this, besides aren’t you supposed to be paid for this?” I rolled me eyes at her while she flapped her wings harder, lifting us up higher.

*** ***

It took us under a minute to reach the top of our target. Daring dropped me down on top of the roof just before landing next to me. Operation stealth mode was a go. I wasted no time whipping out a map of the place, Daring shielded it with her wings, giving me the chance to plan our way through. My hoof traced the schematic. Daring’s hoof tapped room three fifty two, “That’s our target. We need to get in and out as fast as possible.” I hummed and folded the map up.

Daring reached into her bag of wonders tossing me three cans of knock out gas strung along a belt. My horn lit up and slung the leather around my body before tightening it up. Once Daring wrapped a belt around her stomach we set off towards the door, bucking it open, before heading inside.

I found a guard schedule posted on the wall. “Alright, there are going to be guards near the elevator around the corner. Blue team, let’s move.”

Daring rolled her eyes at me and took the lead.

We approached the corner with great speed, coming to a stop at the walls edge, and tossed two cans of knock out gas around it. I put my hoof in front of Daring and counted to three. A low popping sound went off as green gas came flowing around the corner, not enough to knock either of us out, but enough that the guards would be sent to dreamland.

I turned my head around the corner and four guards were lying unconscious on the ground. My hoof waved down. Once the signal registered to Daring she bolted around the corner and hit the elevator button.

Ding!

We went inside, immediately closing the doors behind us. I got as close as I could to the buttons while the entire room moved down to the correct floor. The doors tried to open until Daring hit the emergency stop button. I flung a can of gas out the opening then forced the doors closed with my magic.

One. Two. Three.

The elevator started back up while my magic died down enough to let the doors open up. We trotted out to the sight of several more guards knocked out. I telekinetically shoved all of them inside of a broom closet. We took off down the hall counting the rooms as we went by.

Three Sixty One.

Three Sixty.

Three Fifty Nine.

Daring stopped and bit down on my mane. I looked at her as she pointed at the end of the hall. My eyes narrowed until I saw the shadow of something moving. I was violently shoved inside of a broom closet. Daring slammed the door, quietly, and pressed her ear against it. I slid into my transparency spell. A griffon was on the other side. I stopped breathing. There was a gold griffon emblem printed along the handle of a throwing knife attached to her vest.

“What do you see,” whispered Daring.

“Shush,” I put my hoof to her muzzle.

The griffon was fast. It had taken only a matter of split second to reach this broom closet which was still several rooms away from the intersecting hallway. From the way she was skulking about it didn’t look like she had noticed us yet, which was fine by me. She moved to where the guards had been at and stopped.

Daring gave me a nudge. I pushed her back.

The griffon shook her head moving to the elevator. At that point my spell couldn’t give me anymore sight to where she was going. Once I was sure the assassin was gone I made my move out the door. “Dead Eye’s assassin is here, which means he’s probably somewhere in the building.” Daring groaned and galloped down the hall with me.

Three fifty five.

Three fifty four.

Three fifty three.

Three fifty two!

I slid to a stop and had Daring get to work on the door. She pulled out a screwdriver and bobby pin. A few tinks here and there, and the door opened up nicely. “Since when do you know how to pick a lock?” I asked with amazement.

“Oceans taught me,” she spoke matter-of-factly.

I shut the door behind us as quietly as I could. Daring put her hoof against my chest. My gaze went to her. “How do we know Dead Eye isn’t here right now?” That’s a good question.

I mulled it over for a second while carefully tip-hoofing over to the kitchen. No pony was there. I noticed a bedroom was right behind a small island set up near the stove. It was actually a pretty nice place, looks like the casino owner’s doing well for himself.  Daring flapped her wings and checked out the second story that was only accessible through a spiral staircase next to the fridge.

Daring landed down in front of the island. Her hooves traced something. I moved next to her and saw what she was staring at. It was a set of fifty throwing knives all with golden griffon designs at the handle. That brings so many disturbing thoughts about Dead Eye and his body guard!

Daring looked at me; she violently shook her head to get those same thoughts out of her head. “Take a look at these,” Daring said plucking a feather from her wing. She picked up a knife and gently dropped it on the blade. Her feather sliced in half. “These are sharp knives.” I nodded. My horn lit up and I held the blade in front of my eyes. Daring got a closer look at it as well. They were specially made. No doubt by some pony working for the living assassins from that group she told me about.

The door knob jiggled.

My horn stopped glowing and the knife clattered against the ground. Daring winced in pain and put a hoof against her wing. “Ow!” Her mouth was quickly covered by my hoof. My eyes caught the sight of a drop of her blood on the ground. We looked at each other before I galloped for the bedroom. I slid underneath the bed rolling behind a comforter covering part of the bed that shielded me from view. Daring flew up and that was the last I saw of her. A loud thud caught my attention, it sounded like a door opening up.

The lights in the kitchen flickered on.

My horn lit up as dully as I could make it. The blanket became transparent giving my eyes full view of what Shelby was doing. She set her claws down on the island staring down at her fifty … crap … forty nine knife set. Shelby bent down and picked up the knife I had dropped along with something else. She was just staring at it. I listened to the sound of her claw scrape against the floor like a set of razor sharp knives being dragged down a chalkboard with an accompanied ear-piercing screech. She continued staring at her claw tip, closely, just before she took a glance at the other knives.

Don’t look at the bed, don’t look at the bed, don’t look at the bed, don’t look at the bed.

There had to be something there. Just had to be. She was an assassin, probably trained to pick up on even the smallest amount of sweat or any hint of an intruder. The griffon shook her head and grabbed the entire throwing knife set. She opened her vest stringing them along the inside. A moment later, she was gone, lights out, door shut behind her and locked.

I let out a breath I wasn’t aware I had been holding. My hoof went to my heart. This is going to be my last mission with these guys. Things are getting to risky and the crazy scale is about to break. Anymore of this and I’m sure I’ll have a panic attack. I rolled out from underneath the bed sighing with relief. I got up and called out to Daring. No response.

I looked around and saw a couple dozen plants all set up around his kitchen. You know, for a corrupt casino owner, Dead Eye has some taste. My gaze went up to the second floor.

My hooves carried me up the spiral staircase taking me straight to Dead Eye’s computer room. A familiar looking pegasus mare was sitting at his desk printing out a list of Sombra’s hideouts. There were only three on that list. Not that I cared. I actually mean that to. This is my last job with these guys and then I’m pulling out once and for all.

Daring’s eyes were reading something else. I took a look at the screen and froze. It was a diagram summary of a blue energy sphere the size of a hoof ball. “Runner, can you please tell me what this is?” My eyes traced the words on the screen several times.

The Alicorn Sphere is designed to draw in the magical energy of all nearby unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies then transfer it into a conduit. It is unknown if Alicorn magic will corrupt the device due to insufficient data. Survivable test subjects are yet to be discovered.

I kept reading those lines over and over again. This is what Autumnal Den used against the Princesses. My eyes darted around the room looking for that device, but it wasn’t anywhere to be found. Why was Dead Eye researching something like this? We’re two hundred plus years past the date it was used. Probably wouldn’t even be functional by now. “This is information on the Alicorn Sphere, a device that got Princess Celestia’s attention. No idea why Dead Eye is looking into it though.” My gaze shifted down to a set of memory jewels sitting in a small glass bowl. I knocked one of them out and lit up my horn. It was bright orange. “I want to see what this is all about,” and if my hunch is correct these jewels might tell me something. The world ripped away from me.

*** ***

My host roughly tapped his hoof against a table while his gaze went from the table to the Alicorn Sphere. Autumnal Den paced back and forth staring at his creation like it was his newborn child.  It pulsed with a light blue energy inside of it looking almost as if it was alive. The room shook a little. “The Alicorn Sphere’s completion is imminent,” Autumnal stopped in front of the device, “In just a few short hours we will have more Alicorns than just the four princesses.”

All my host did was stare at the device. He looked over at a griffon who was counting some gems. Once she was done she jumped out the window and flew off. “Thanks to Gilda we now have the last bit of magic we need for this to reach its full potential. We just need time.” My gaze went down to some schematics labeling all of the magic that went inside that Celestia-awful device. Whoa, wait … he’s putting dragon magic in this shit? Holy crap this guy wasn’t shitting around when he made this.

Dragon magic was last on the list of things to incorporate into the Alicorn Sphere. Along with that were some very interesting spells being used to power the device. One spell caught my attention, it was written by Stair Swirl the Bearded and intended to be something completely different, but from the notes written down it appeared to be reverse engineered into a weapon for Autumnal Den. To make this thing even crazier it was also using copious amounts of zebra and griffon tonics from each respective homeland.

The room shook again making books thud against the ground. “Autumnal, they’re here.” The pony, I suspected was his assistant, spoke up. From the shaken tone of voice I was beginning to feel like I had been a part of this before. My host’s hoof swiped all of his notes and diagrams into a journal, several of them flew off the table. His journals were shoved inside of a hidden compartment built inside of the bookcase behind him. The compartment closed and dozens of books were shoved in front of it.

My host galloped into the room next to him and slammed a door shut. His hooves knocked over a couple beakers before pulling a blindingly white memory jewel out. He looked in a dusty mirror and lit up his horn. “Whoever is watching this, you are about to experience history.” This is the day that everything changed … the day Autumnal used the Alicorn Sphere.

“Play time is over for you Autumnal,” a loud regal voice bellowed.

Princess Celestia! I know that soothing yet powerful voice anywhere. Hmm. Actually, you’d think that I’d recognize Princess Luna’s voice more. She’s my favorite princess.

My host’s gaze went down to a knife lying near the sink. In the mirror’s reflection I could see the memory jewel turning a bright shade of orange. The assistant floated the knife up in his levitation field and put the memory jewel in his lab coat’s pocket. His hoof pushed the door open with a low creak. Princess Luna spoke up, “I understand wanting to help Equestria, but trying to create Alicorns with the Alicorn Sphere is not a way of accomplishing that goal.” She took a few steps to the right to keep Autumnal from bolting for some weapons I hadn’t seen from Celestia’s point of view. Cadence went to the right and blocked the door.

Autumnal’s head jerked about trying to find an out. Every sense of the word trapped described him right now. My host looked at the Alicorn Sphere while his boss ripped it off its pedestal. From this view I could finally make out what the computer had been feeding it. It was dragon magic, and the bottle it was being fed from was only half empty. Celestia spoke in a calm and gentle tone, “Autumnal, please. Put the sphere down. You are a stallion of science and logic, can you not see that this device will do more harm than good?”

WHACK!

My host knocked the door open charging for Princess Luna! A pink beam fired from Cadence’s horn impaling me and my host just before knocking us into a bookcase. The case tipped over toppling down on our back.

AGH!

I let out a mental groan that no pony could hear. At least I hope no pony outside the memory jewel can hear me. I swear if Daring hears that she’s going to find some way to make me feel embarrassed about it. I don’t know how she’ll do it, but she’ll find a way.

Autumnal started up a hacking fit for a couple of seconds. “You four don’t see the potential this device holds. With this beautiful machine any pony could become an Alicorn and help ponies. Imagine all the lands across Equestria with their own Alicorn princess. Imagine it. Peace in our time.” His eyes were locked solely on the pulsating blue magic inside the sphere. In all honesty, it was hypnotic. Beautiful. And seeing it twice from two different perspectives … I know this thing needs to be destroyed. Something like the Alicorn Sphere can’t exist in Equestria if it’s to be like it once was.

Autumnal twisted the metal sphere halves until they let out a low click. His hooves made them collapse together and the energy inside of the sphere lit up with enough light blue everything turned white. All of that energy swirled together and burst in every direction. Energy rushed past my host and everything burned!

My coat felt like it was igniting to the point of turning into magma. This wasn’t like the other memory jewel. Everything inside of me was being ripped away molecule by molecule. I was just viewing a memory yet all of this shit was cutting into me and out of me at the same time. The burning felt icy all around. It was a mixture of pain I knew and more pain that I could only imagine until now.

AGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!

Celestia buck it all to hell! Take me away from this bucking memory!

A loud clattering noise was the last thing I could hear before the sound of ringing.

My host collapsed to the ground sending burning spikes of pain all around our burned coat. His gaze went down to his body. It was burned so badly that there was no longer any coat it was just a dark red rash all around. He let out a few coughs and crawled to his lab coat which had somehow been torn from his body in the explosion. The memory jewel was still glowing, recording every last detail.

I don’t even remember hearing any screaming. All I could listen to was an irritatingly loud ringing that grew less loud by the second. My singed carcass of a host pulled the memory jewel from his still intact pocket. He gasped for air. “We … we had … no idea what we were medaling with … if any pony sees this message … destroy the Alicorn Sphere. Reverse everything that this device caused.” His gaze turned from the jewel to that device. Outside, the sun had been setting, but in its place storm clouds appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

The Alicorn Sphere was dull grey. It’s bright blue magic completely faded and no longer visible. Next to it was a stone statue of the three princesses. I couldn’t tear up at the sight, but on the inside I could feel my heart calling out the three of them. For whatever reason no pony had ever said anything about them and now that I could see why Princess Twilight took on so much work all I wanted to do was give her a big hug. She lost so much today.

My host’s body jerked around.

Our hoof swung out and hit a beaker into the bookcase. We started twitching and jerking in all different directions. My host looked into a mirror and the world slowly started to rip away from me. “AREEEEEGH!” His face had fungus on it!

*** ***

I pushed myself up with a loud gasp. My chest puffed in and out while my mind processed everything that I had just seen. The Princesses weren’t alive and they weren’t dead. They were stone. Trapped in a prison like the master of chaos had once been.

My body returned to being on all four hooves and I was left with one wicked headache. I could feel my throat heating up like I was going to hurl. Thank Celestia I didn’t. With a very slow inhale my thoughts gathered until I became calm again. “Daring, where are you?” My eyes scanned the room for my pegasus friend yet she was nowhere to be found.

Crap.

I cleared out any and all evidence of ever being on Dead Eye’s computer. Once I was done I trotted down the spiral staircase into the kitchen. I stopped next to the island and noticed a few plants were skewed. Several feathers were lying on top of the chairs, several of which were knocked over, along with a very unbalanced work of art.

Agh.

A sharp pain went through my hoof. My gaze went down to the source and my eyes narrowed. I bit down on a throwing knife and pulled it out. The beating in my heart started to pick up. I looked over at Dead Eye’s room to see his assassin going for another throwing knife. My hooves carried me straight into the living room right towards the couch. I leapt over the love seat and rolled underneath the coffee table. A loud thud shook the wood to the point I thought it was going to snap in half. My eyes locked with the assassins through the glass. I put all four hooves against the table and sent it flying into a wall with the assassin wedged between it and the wall. My body rolled onto all fours.

I bolted up and took a leap of faith over the next couch. Just as my hoof set itself on the door knob a throwing knife lodged itself in the lock. I pulled my hoof back and my horn lit up. Using my magic in a panicked state, I threw the door open. All I could do was run.

With my heart and mind scrambled as I bolted out into the hallway. A loud crack echoed in the hall and my body dropped. My hoof had blood spewing out of a bullet wound. I looked over at the shooter and recognized the culprit. Dead Eye. My hoof went straight for my pistol and another crack went off. He sent a bullet through a fore hoof making me to yell out in pain.

I rolled behind a soda machine and used my magic to shut the door. The assassin beat a hole through the door. A musky scent escaped from my saddle bags while I unraveled the last of my bandage rags. The rag wrapped around all of my wounds nicely while I listened to hoof steps grow louder. “Shelby, show our guest to the V.I.P room.” Dead Eye opened the door letting his assassin plant a hoof strike on my neck.

*** ***

I want you to do me one favor. Run, because when I find you I’m not going to be the corrupt casino owner that’s been greeting all the unicorns tonight. When I find you, I’m going to be your worst nightmare.

Ugh.

Agh.

I let out a nasty cough and spit out blood. It tasted metallic. My eyes felt like they were ready to roll back into my skull, dry up, then die. Death would have been nice after that hoof strike. Shelby had sent every fiber in my body screaming in pain. She wasn’t just skilled at what she did, she was damn right precise and accurate with what she was doing. That hoof strike could have killed me and she made sure I damn well knew it. That left one question in my head. Why am I still alive?

My eyes carefully looked around the room. Torches lined the walls only to have the room dimly lit. A roaring fire set ablaze in a brick fire pit with a metal spearhead sitting in the middle of it. A metallic grinding snapped my sense back to reality. I tried to move but too little success. Metal straps kept my four hooves spread out on a crap-built wood table that felt worse than that bar I used to hide out at. Splinters were practically digging into my stomach. My muzzle was the only part of my body I could move a little. Even my horn had some sort of ruby ring that restrained me from using magic.

To my left was a critically injured Daring Adventure who was restrained just a bit differently from me. Metal straps held out her hooves, but they were all attached at a corner of the table. Several leather straps kept Daring’s wings held down to the point the feathers almost started to look nailed down. Honestly, I’m surprised they weren’t nailed down. Another metallic grind went by.

It took me a minute to notice something was off with Daring. Her saddle bags and mask had been removed. It was pretty obvious by now that my identity was revealed to whomever was hiding in the shadows grinding metal. A firm yet soothing voice spoke up from the shadows, “Mister Runner. I’m surprised to see you here. The last time I saw you and your mare, you made off with a great sum of gems.”

Thunk!

A cane tip smacked the ground behind me. The table I was on jerked a little and slowly lowered. I finally noticed that both tables were attached to chains leading up to the ceiling. Another loud tap from the cane made me cringe.

Thunk!

A pair of eyes met mine. They belonged to a pony wearing a fancy suit with a blood red tie. “I have been called a very smart pony, Mister Runner. Something tells me that you were the one to free my slaves and this mare here is the one that stole all of my money.” My heart skipped a beat. I could feel my mouth starting to dry up. There was no lying my way out of this. Not that I could if I wanted to. I looked at Daring and her eyes had finally opened. There was a slight sign of lost hope in her eyes, but it was replaced by anger.

Another loud metallic grind went by. My exhale came out in stuttered pants. “We didn’t take your money,” I said as calmly as I could. “Han took your money, but we took your slaves.” Truth. Nothing but the truth. Daring won her bits fair and square, for the most part, so I didn’t feel like I was lying about it.

Dead Eye nodded slowly taking it all in. “So you say that the two of you broke into my jail and took my slaves.” I tried to nod, but couldn’t. Instead I gave him a grunt. “I don’t believe you. It takes more than two ponies with a death wish and a zebra who’s going to be repaying me soon.”

I cringed letting out a low groan. He was right. In fact he was smart, way too smart for me and way too smart for any pony that set hoof out of a district not that long ago. “You’re right. There’s another skilled thief in our crew. Actually, it’s his crew.” Daring growled at me. I shot her a look that just told her to shut up. At this point we would be lucky to set hoof out of here without being brutally mutilated by his assassin. I bet she gets off on that kind of shit. “His name is,” a throwing knife impaled the wood half an inch from my muzzle.

My well-dressed torturer put his hoof down on my table gesturing for me to stop talking for a minute. He took a hoof step to the fire pit then pulled the spear out. The spearhead glowed bright red. “Miss Daring Adventure, please, tell me the name of this other crew member.” Daring jerked her head to look away. It didn’t go as well as she wanted it to. Her head snapped back into place. Dead Eye shoved the spear down into the wood, cutting some flesh in the process making Daring …

“AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” She jerked around pulling as far from the spearhead as she could, which wasn’t far.

“GET AWAY FROM HER! AGH!” My body lunged up and snapped back down against the splintering wood. I thrashed my head around shouting incoherent words saying anything that could get him to stop screwing with her. She might not be my mare, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let some pony lay a hoof on her while she’s restrained. “AGHHHHHHHHHH!” A throwing knife forced its way into my stomach making blood spew out from the gash. Fire from one of the torches revealed half of Shelby’s face for a brief moment. She was grinning. Her face went back into the shadows.

Dead Eye jabbed my stomach with his cane and I got quiet. His attention on me was brief and eventually went back to Daring. “You will answer me when I speak to you, Miss Adventure, is that clear?” Shelby kicked over a rather large machine, with a nozzle hanging from its side, as if on cue. Dead Eye retrieved it, placing the nozzle close to Daring’s mouth. The handle attached to the machine began pumping out oil.

Daring gaged. Spat. Tossed her head away. Black slugged spewed out onto her, notably never once reaching the red spearhead I was sure would ignite the entire table, every beautiful hair in her mane seemingly shot up at once. “You will answer me when I speak to you, Miss Adventure, is that clear!” Dead Eye’s voice echoed around the room making me want to curl up in a small corner to cower in fear. The nozzle was put back on the machine before the entire thing was kicked back into the shadows.

Daring continued to cough. Once her mouth was forcibly dried off, as well as the table, with Dead Eye’s magic, she seemed ready to speak.

“Oh you can lick my,” five throwing knives scattered in the air and jammed themselves inside of both her wings, “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! DAMN IT!” Blood oozed out onto her feathers turning them from a beautiful tan brown to a disgusting dark red. Daring shouted all the foul language she had mouthed to me tenfold at them. Such language was appropriate for this time, but I won’t repeat it. Not my style of pissing a pony off.

Her ear-splitting screaming made me cringe. I couldn’t do anything to help her. All I could do was just lay here! Just like with Silver Shoe. I won’t let Daring suffer that fate. I won’t let any family or friend of mine hurt that way. My body lurched up and got pulled back down. Another throwing knife lodged itself in my side. “AGHHHHHHH!” Dead Eye slammed his cane down on top of my muzzle making me wince in pain. He told me to keep quiet.

His hoof tightened up around the spear and plucked it from the wood. He gently swung it near Daring’s eye. My body got ready to lunge again, but a throwing knife impaled the wood next to my muzzle. I focused my attention on Daring and saw beads of sweat rolling down her head. “You are a very beautiful mare, Miss Adventure, I’d hate to see such beauty ruined by a poorly thought out judgement call.” I want to kill him. I want to take that spear, ram it through Shelby’s coy smile, rip her skull out and beat Dead Eye within an inch of his life so I can ram that same spearhead through his eyes!

A throwing knife lodged itself in the wood a few inches from my stomach. I looked at Shelby and she gave me a scowl. She knew exactly what I was thinking. My attention went back to Dead Eye’s very calm tone of voice. “You know, every member of your bloodline has had such beautiful eyes. Please don’t make me ruin that family tradition.” Daring spat in his direction, narrowly missing his suit. Dead Eye moved the spear over to her wings then slowly, gently, lowered it. Her eyes went straight to her wings and she tried to move. “I could scorch your lovely wings as well.” I felt my heart sink down to skip a beat. Those wings are her freedom. You can’t do that! You can’t do that to any pegasus!

Daring screeched in pain while the scorching red tip touched one of her feathers. It wasn’t enough to catch her wings on fire, but it was more than enough to send her into a screaming tantrum that rivaled that of a foal. “HIS NAME IS WAR!”

Everything went silent.

Every pony and griffon in the room paused.

Dead Eye mulled that name over. If I wasn’t the wiser, I’d say he knew exactly who War was. Shelby was even thinking that name over. From what her eyes were telling me she knew a bit about him. “If that stallion was working with you then everything you said must be true. Only that pony is stupid enough to make a smart enough plan to take my slaves.” Yeah, but stupid enough to get duped by a zebra. Dead Eye wasn’t smiling on the outside, but I could sense he was plotting something in his head. “You two are going to do some work for me. I have a pony that needs to be dealt with.” Daring scoffed as he finished.

“Why would we help you,” she spat.

Shelby grinned at that. I wanted to get a bit more distance between me and her. Dead Eye took a hoof step over to the fire pit and set the spearhead back inside the flames. “Because your zebra friend stole fifty million bits from me while he was a part of your crew. With that said, you will both pay me that amount back plus interest for every day I don’t get it back.” My heart sank inside my chest. Dead Eye was now burying that chest, with all my hopes and dreams of being free, and built a house of top of it. He moved into that house. “That is the alternative if you do not comply.”

Daring’s eyes looked ready to tear up. “Are you kidding me? That kind of money with the high interest you charge per day would keep us in debt for years.” Her mind immediately did the math. It was enough to make her ready to throw up. “We can’t possibly pull enough heists off to pay you back.” Dead Eye leaned his cane against the table and clapped his hooves together.

“Very good Miss Adventure, you see my plan here then.” I’m beginning to hate this stallion with every fiber of my being. I want to buck his teeth in with my hooves and feed it to his assassin. “Now, let’s get down to business shall we?” I groaned. “I like your attitude, Mister Runner.”

Daring was giving me a glare. I wasn’t looking at her, but I could feel that burning glare scorching into my coat. Dead Eye clear his throat. “There’s a stallion named Bolt Action that I need taken care of.” Bolt Action? Bolt Action! That guy’s the reason I nearly got turned into an infected. If that didn’t do it his psychopath scientist would have.

I hummed and jerked about until Dead Eye turned around. “Look, Dead Eye, that’s a great offer but you should know that the son of a bitch you’re talking about already offered me a job with his side.” He slowly nodded and knew that might cause a problem if I turn tailed and went back to him. A metallic grind echoed around the room again.

“Well then it’s a good thing I have not finished all of my questions yet.” I would have shrugged but my body was restrained. This was going to turn into an even worse night. Why is it that I’m getting stuck with all these freaking jobs? Should just pack it up and stay away from any pony not associated with my family. “Are you responsible for stealing the machine gun and glider?” I hummed with a slight nod. “What was the machine gun for?” My heart sank even further into the ground.

Daring chuckled and shook her head. I turned my eyes to her. That smile. She had that coy sly smile on her face that I just absolutely loved to hate. “Oh,” she cooed, “that was actually for Bolt Action. See he hit some personal ground with me and I’d like a little revenge. Runner here doesn’t know jack shit about it, he’s just doing this because I bat my eyes with a false promise of a fun night.” I’ve been around Daring long enough to know that’s a lie. Her poker face was like stone and I loved it. “Maybe we can benefit from one another after all.”

The best part in all of this was Dead Eye completely ate it up. He was nodding, taking it all in like a sap. I couldn’t pull that off, but Daring could and I owed her big time for it. “Then I guess I have no choice but to let you keep the gun as a gift. Oh, and Runner you can keep the glider should it aid you in icing Bolt Action for me, but I want you to know several things.” Dead Eye stepped over to me and stared directly in my eyes. He was still buying that we were going to work for him. “Should either of you get into a fight with him, of all stallions, you should know that he is somewhat of a coward. He won’t fight you one on one or fairly unless you hit him in his weak spot. Sadly, I don’t know it.” I nodded. “He always fights with the advantage in his favor.”

I cleared my throat and got Daring’s attention. “I want some information first.” Dead Eye looked at Shelby, then at Daring. They had no idea what was going through my mind, which I liked. My well-dressed torturer nodded. “What does the Alicorn Sphere have to do with all this?” Shelby threw one of her knives in the air and caught it in her claw tips.

“The Alicorn Sphere is being hunted down as we speak. That device, as I’m sure you know, sent Equestria into this hell.” I got that already, but tell me something I don’t know. My brain really wants some new information. “However, to this day no pony has found the map that reveals its location. Rumor has it that a decedent of Autumnal Den’s placed it somewhere he didn’t tell any other pony.” Well I guess that removes one threat from Equestria. At least I hope it does.

“I know that look and no it does not remove that damn device from the equation. If even one of Autumnal’s decedents is still alive they will fix the device and use it to plunge Equestria even further into hell. Their entire philosophy has always been about preventing a war before it starts.” Assuming they find the map which hasn’t been found. I’ll let Oceans and Rusty deal with that since they seem to be keen on fixing Equestria. War will probably be the one to find the map since he’s got Daring helping him out.

“If you should happen to find it, either of you, it must be destroyed.” Dead Eye turn faced the fire pit. “Bring it to me first though.”

Consider that a done deal. Although that actually raises some questions to mind. If I didn’t know any better I’d say he’d just turn around and use it to buck Equestria over. “Why do you need it?” I asked rather bluntly. Dead Eye paused and turned to me.

His expression turned pissed faster than I could say family. Shelby caught another knife and took it through a sharpening stone making a metallic grind echo through the room. “A very unpleasant unicorn stallion wounded Sombra, my king, in battle. He blocked most of his magic so I’m going to use some of that device’s magic to break the restriction spell on his horn,” and by that you mean you’re going to let Sombra try to use the device. So your plan is as follows. You’re going to get me to kill Bolt Action, find the Alicorn Sphere then give it to you so you can turn around give it to Sombra and let him use it instead.

We need to move up our assassination window. This bucker needs to be shot dead in the eye. Ugh, Runner you’re one liners suck. Silver Shoe will slap you for that one in a dream or something. “Consider it done, Dead Eye.” I looked at Shelby. Yeah, you can go bite a flank and then get yourself off on some torture.

Dead Eye reached into his pocket and set a bright blue memory jewel down in front of me. I had an idea of what he wanted me to do with it. Shelby got up and delivered a cringe worthy strike to Daring’s neck rendering her unconscious. She plucked every knife from the pegasus’ wings. “Oh, and Runner. Just so we are clear. If you try to turn that gun on me or do something out of line, I am going to hurt Daring in ways no pony wants to see a mare tortured in. I will make you watch,” he hissed. My table lowered itself a little more so Dead Eye could force his hoof down on my neck.

Don’t do anything stupid … that doesn’t sound like me. Shelby pulled the ring from around my horn. I gave my new employer a nod and focused on the jewel. Dead Eye put a cigar in his mouth and blew several smoke rings in my face while the world ripped away.

*** ***

My eyes shot open and I recognized the interior right away. We were in Dead Eye’s room. That memory jewel he showed me … that can’t be right. That wasn’t the one I saw in the room. If what the assistant said is true then maybe I could just … I really wish I could talk with a princess.

A groan from the other couch caught my attention. I looked over at it seeing Daring rubbing her wings. My first instinct wasn’t what I thought it would be. I got up off the couch to give her the warmest hug I had ever given anyone. “You alright?”

Daring let out a few coughs and shook her head. I noticed her wings were still oozing out blood. On a side note, it looks like someone cleaned the oil off of her.

She was shaking. For a mare as tough and daring as she is I’m willing to make a safe bet that she had never been tortured to that extent. Her hoof pushed me away, “We need to tell War what happened.” I silently agreed.

*** ***

Daring nudged the door open with her free hoof while I pulled her limping body with me. We were greeted to the sight of Eleven Oceans playing a card game with Rusty Horseshoe while War poured himself a drink. War dropped the bottle of Apple Whiskey simultaneously with his jaw. “What the hell happened over there?” He paused and looked at Rusty. “I thought you said Dead Eye was out for the evening!”

Daring scoffed and walked past Rusty giving him the dirtiest look I had seen her give a pony yet. “And how’s this plan working out for you,” Oceans chimed in never once looking up from his cards. It’s like he didn’t even care we got injured. Rusty kicked him under the table.

War turned and looked at me. I put my hoof up defensively, “I’m not having this conversation right now.”

He looked back at Daring and she slammed the bathroom door shut. War was looking around at each one of us hoping for an answer that wasn’t coming to him as fast as he wanted. I sat on the couch hearing Daring’s voice through the door, “We’re only in this mess because you couldn’t leave the bucking memory jewel alone.” I could hear her growling even with the door closed.

“You had to mess with Shelby’s knives,” I called back to her.

War slammed his hooves down on the ground getting every pony’s attention. His chest puffed in and out and was filled with anger. “Daring, get out here,” he barked. The pegasus being commanded pulled the door open. Bandage rags were wrapped around her wings and stomach. She tossed a bandage rag to me. “Young lady, you tell me what happened over there right now.” Young lady?

She started grinding her teeth together. Neither one of us felt like talking. I just wanted to forget it. “I fought with Dead Eye’s assassin, got my ass kicked, then woke up to a torture session with memory-game over there. Now he knows who we are, well at least me, Runner and you.” Her hoof pointed me out. I’m starting to notice that we both turn into jerks when something doesn’t go according to plan. “Dead Eye wants us to try and find something called the Alicorn Sphere, which Runner is going to do, and we have to kill a stallion named Bolt Action with our new toy.”

Rusty had a smile on his face. He let out a sigh before getting up. “Well, I’m sure you both were followed, so Oceans and I will be with Not Important before they tag us as being part of this little group,” he waved his hoof around and slid his bits inside his suit. Oceans gathered up the cards and gave me a hoof wave before bolting out the door with the same smile on his face. I’d actually really like to know why War is the only pony out of the trio freaking out. Rusty put his hoof on the door and stared out at the hall. “War, as far as I’m concerned our plan is still going according to plan. Just moved up a little. We kill him tomorrow.”

War hummed letting the confident stallion trot out the door. I plopped my face into the couch cushions. Tomorrow this will all be over and I get to go home to my family.

My head slowly levitated up as spell book was slid under my eyes. “Learn that spell,” War ordered before setting my head back down. It was a protection spell.

Assassination in Harbor City

Chapter Seventeen: Assassination in Harbor City

My eyes, which had been tightly sealed for the past few hours, popped open like a balloon. War had nudged my hoof to wake me up but it felt nowhere near noon. That was when the assassination was supposed to be taking place. Apparently War shares some sort of ‘magical’ telepathy with Rusty and Oceans so he knows exactly when they want to pull off a job of this size. He told us this as a joke last night, but now I’m getting the idea that maybe it’s true. Maybe it’s not. I just want to get some sleep.

I turned.

“Get up,” War demanded giving me a more violent shove.

I groaned a little, slowly getting off my lazy ass to see what the fuss was about. Daring was sitting at the bar muttering some wickedly foul … such language!

I mean last night she said some very appropriate words to our torturers, but these words, geez these words are just plain wrong! The map that was supposed to be on the table was gone and missing from view. “What’s going on,” I asked to no pony specific.

Daring shook her head in disgust. “We were tracked,” she growled. We were tracked … you know that doesn’t surprise me at all, but what does surprise me is the fact neither one of us thought to make sure no pony was following us.

The door nonchalantly swung open with Dead Eye standing in the frame next to Shelby. A smoke ring was blown in the air while Dead Eye put his cigar to the side of his mouth. “Good morning Miss Adventure, Mister Runner. Both of you come from the same crew so I thought it would be appropriate to meet the ponies I would be working with.” The atmosphere in the room shifted from light hearted to densely thick when War locked eyes with Dead Eye. I swear if I could get a saw right now I could cut the density of this moment in half. “I trust that this is your entire crew.”

“I only have a crew of three now, as I’m sure you’re aware a four member group doesn’t exactly work out,” War commented calmly and clearly too both new employers. Dead Eye stretched out a long hoof to our leader. They shook hoofs. “From what my friend over there at the bar tells me, we’re going to be working together.”

“That would be correct. You three have caused me a lot of trouble; Xtealth has gone off the grid,” he blew a smoke ring, “the way I see it you will have to repay me for my loss. I can always find more slaves and get more money, but icing a stallion from the picture is something I need a team for. You do that for me then you walk away all crimes forgiven.”

Shelby wrapped one claw around a pistol aiming it right at Daring. My pegasus friend put her pith helmet on with a sour scowl on her face. “But first I have something I need to show you.” Dead Eye’s horn lit up while simultaneously floating up a revolver. To War’s head.

“Walk,” Shelby commanded.

The griffon assassin pulled out another pistol aiming it right at me. I slid on my saddle bags with my pistol hidden inside of it. Dead Eye pushed War out the door first. My mind went blank while we stepped into the elevator heading down to ground floor.

Ding.

The doors slid open with us walking all the way out to the front door with a crowd waiting for us. It finally registered to me why so many ponies could cheer for Dead Eye. In fact it made sense to me why so many ponies in District Twelve stayed underneath a boot of corruption. When things seem hopeless, like the fight against the infected, ponies will turn to those who have the power the shield them. In my case it’s the brick walls. In Harbor City’s case it’s Dead Eye.

War was shoved. Put on display in front of all the ponies cheering at Dead Eye. In the name of Celestia, this guy is a freaking Alicorn to them. At least as close as you can get without the wings. “Ladies and gentle colts,” Dead Eye’s voice rang out shushing the cheering, “Today I bring you the mastermind behind the heists yesterday.” Boo’s mixed with shouts of hate were all directed at us. Several beer bottles were flung in War’s direction. “Do not blame the two ponies standing behind me, my little ponies, these two are going to help me get one step closer to making Equestria safer for us all. However, this stallion in front of me will be a lesson to everyone in the criminal world.”

The plan’s busted. We’re busted. I’m going to be stuck working for this guy for who knows how long.

My fore legs quivered a little while I pictured everything going down after this moment. Dead Eye would go on to keep me under his hoof until he either gave me an impossible mission or declared me unusable. At that moment he would whip out a gun or have Shelby put one very well placed bullet into the back of my skull.

Daring let out a low whistle. I looked over at her while she tried to say something. “No talking,” Shelby bumped the back of our heads with her pistols. My pegasus friend gave Shelby an irritated look. “Give me a reason.”

“Or you’ll do what,” she growled back.

“Put a bullet through your eyes,” the griffon whispered back.

In the midst of the two conversations I caught the sight of a familiar wagon rolling by, only it looked ready for a fight. It now had a metal top covering it up with small holes for the barrel of a gun to poke out of. Daring and I looked at each other for a brief second. A flap in the wagon’s wall opened up with six barrels pointing out of it.

“They’ve got a machine gun!” A pony from the crowd shouted.

My horn lit up forming two pink shields around us. War’s horn lit up red covering all three of us in our own little protection bubble.

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

Bullets exploded from the machine gun sending the crowd running for cover. In a matter of a second, Bolt Action managed to light up his horn, sending his entire body into an explosion of magic before disappearing. Shelby dove behind a stone wall letting the bullets bombard everything around her.

I lost War in the crossfire between Shelby and the machine gun, leaving me and Daring to gallop to the wagon minus one crucial member. Hundreds of bullets started being fired all around us ripping the red bubble to shreds along with my spell. Not Important bucked open the back of our wagon while Daring pulled me inside. I telekinetically pulled the door shut.

This wasn’t a wagon anymore though, it had been transformed into a mobile assault unit ready to mow down any enemies in its path. Not Important tossed me the key to my Challenger which had been attached to some chains hanging down from the ceiling. Loud clinking sounds rattled the wagon making me cringe a little. “Don’t worry, I reinforced everything with some thick armor plating,” Not Important assured me. Her next words were a fancy way of saying they couldn’t touch us without using anything short of an anti-sky tank missile. She whipped out a pair of sunglasses and put them on before bucking open a cabinet that literally shined with a plethora of weapons. My jaw dropped.

It’s so beautiful!

Our slick weapons-mare tossed me several fully loaded ammo clips along with a highly unique weapon I had never seen before. It was a dull grey, yet somehow still alluring, high capacity nine shot cylinder revolver. “That’s a personal favorite of mine, the LeMat revolver,” Not Important cooed. Daring ripped four automatic pistols from the walls then froze. Her hooves knocked a few things around and pulled something out. A long ammo belt with dozens upon dozens of pistol bullets attached to it. Daring slung it around her body letting it wrap three times around her before locking it in place. Not Important ripped a light machine gun from the wall with what looked like the longest snake ever for an ammo belt. She mounted it in front of a small opening, preparing to fire.

Daring gave me a quick boost up to the Challenger letting me strap myself in. “Thanks for saving our flanks,” I called down to our saviors. Oceans gave me a hoof wave before returning back to spinning the gun’s crank.

“Go take out the turrets,” he ordered.

My heavy machinery started up with a loud roar before I burst out into the gunfire outside our mobile armory. Daring trailed behind me as our eyes locked on the first turret we saw. It started moving along a track with the cannon portion of the weapon adjusting itself to fire at our wagon. I looked right back at our mobile armory and saw it engulfed in a glorious field of gold magic before it started moving on its own.

I pushed the gas pedal back, soaring straight down, aiming for the zebras that were on their way to aid Dead Eye. They jumped from building to building with great precision shooting with accuracy almost as precise. I levitated both my pistol and revolver up next to me. Daring went to grab one of her pistols with her mouth, as she did so, Shelby caught hold of her, pulling her back down to the ground. Both of them took back to the sky fighting for air dominance.

My glider bolted forward while I raised up just enough to slam the wingspan into two zebras while they jumped down from the rooftops. I threw my weight to one side causing my machine to roll, sending the two zebras down on top of a few dumpsters. Another one landed on top of my glider prepared to strike me down right away. I attempted to roll but was forced to pull up to avoid hitting a chimney. A loud crack went off and the zebra on top of me plummeted to the ground.

I’m starting to become more of a gambling stallion now, cause I put all my money on the chance that the pony who dropped that fool was Rusty!

My back hoof hit the gear shifter and put the Challenger into second, “Look out!” Daring’s strong voice called out from high above me making me jerk my head up. She was crash landing towards me! I hit the gear shifter, downshifting back into first while hitting the brake, making me loose just enough speed to let Daring fall past me. Her wings stretched out taking her back into the air while a sharp ice cold pain ran up my leg. I looked at my back leg to find a throwing knife lodged in it. Damn it, Shelby.

Said griffon assassin flew past me while tilting one of my wings to the side forcing me to take evasive maneuvers through an alleyway. Several trash cans fell over during my escapade out to the other side. I barrel rolled into another alley making use of the fire escape to knock the throwing knife out of my leg! My back hoof hit the gear shifter again making me change into second.

THUNK!

I stared straight into my rear view mirror to find Shelby clawing her way into the back of my glider. I tried shaking her off but the action only managed to piss her off even more. Her claws went for a throwing knife. A brown blur charged towards me with a pistol drawn. Shelby leapt from the wingspan, smashing a window in, to escape the sporadic gunfire coming from Daring’s pistol. My two weapons turn faced the long window stretching to the end of the building I was flying alongside. Bullets exploded out both barrels shattering the glass and possibly ripping some of the assassin’s feathers off.

The long stretched out window burst open with Shelby flaring her claws at my face. I dove down but not fast enough. Shelby’s claws gouged into the metal hood ripping it open with a metallic screech. Our combined momentum sent us crashing through the window to my right. The engine died as we slid through tables and chairs making them either break or tumble over our moving bodies. I retracted the wingspan back into the glider blocks just as we slid underneath a pool table that tore the assassin off of me with a squawk.

Daring flung herself into the room and galloped right for Shelby while I unstrapped myself from the Challenger. A claw from the assassin wrapped around a pool stick before slapping it across Daring’s face making her stumble to the ground. Shelby threw a hoof kick at the pegasus’ face only for it to be blocked by Daring’s wing! Daring lunged into Shelby and knocked her against the pool table. Three long cuts found their way against Daring’s face making her yell out in pain. My horn lit up and wrapped Shelby in blue magic just before forcing her into the refrigerator. I galloped over to her with my horn aglow only to have the fridges door slammed into my face making me hit the ground while a spell fired off.

The rogue spell reflected off a mirror and hit a radio making it turn on to a random station. Daring put a bandage rag against her face then rammed her body against Shelby’s. They stumbled into an oven and my horn lit up making the device power on. Flames spouted out from the top scorching Shelby’s feathers a little. The assassin gripped her claws around Daring’s neck attempting to throw her into the fire! I got up tackling them full force into the master bed room. Shelby tore me off of her and gave me a clawed punch into the bathroom.

My hooves wrapped around the shower curtain and brought the pole holding it up down in front of Shelby while she clawed for my face. Her lethal hoof strike hit the pole making it bend with ease. I telekinetically threw her back into Daring who bucked her with both back hooves sending her flying into the bar area with a squawk. “Shit,” Daring called out to no pony specific while diving over the bed. Several throwing knives sliced the air where she had just been at and shattered a TV screen. I pushed myself up off the ground and slid into the door frame with my horn lit up. A pink bubble formed around me while several throwing knives bounced off of it.

Daring galloped through the bubble and dove into the bar room taking cover behind another pool table. It wasn’t long before my entire protection spell shattered under the bombardment of a dozen throwing knives all intent on cutting me up into tinny tiny pieces. I dove behind a pool table that had partly collapsed near the window. Daring jumped on top of her table and flung herself on top of Shelby before crashing down with the assassin on top of another pool table making it collapse. I looked out the window just in time to catch the sight of a large cannon being pointed at us from the large wall surrounding the city.

“Oh crap, Daring we gotta go!” I galloped past both of them, strapping my glider on right away. The engine started up fast and I burst towards the broken window. My hooves went down and picked Daring up off of Shelby. I shifted into second then banked out the broken window above the streets. My rear view mirror caught a quick blur escaping the building.

KA-BOOM!

Chunks of brick and large debris came collapsing down on the street forcing me to pull up while Daring wiggled free from my grip. Her wings stretched out as we took off towards the wall. I could hear her laughing unenthusiastically. “They turned the turrets on the city!” A large dust cloud rose up while the rest of the building came collapsing down on a small restaurant just enough for it to be mildly damaged.

A loud thud echoed behind me. I looked into the rear view mirror spying a zebra going for her pistol. Daring swooped up from below knocking the zebra right off the Challenger.

Below us, several ponies were running out of buildings armed to the teeth with carbine rifles and pistols. They were all fighting with us! Not Important sure knows how to bring ponies together.

Down below us, War and Dead Eye were engaged in their own little war. From the looks of it War had enough protection spells in his arsenal to keep Dead Eye’s blindingly fast rate of fire at bay. The two of them were pretty much even. War was doing his best to hide behind AC units, but every time he poked his head out to get a lock on Dead Eye a spray of bullets was waiting for him. Damn it, where the hell is a sniper rifle when I need one.

A flash of light and a fiery explosion in my rear view mirror caught my attention. Shelby fell out of the sky and took no time at all finding me. Her wings stretched out as she dove full force for me. I did half a barrel roll and aimed my two guns at her. The revolver cracked loudly, harmoniously, with my automatic even with each shot completely missing Shelby.

I reloaded.

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

I reload.

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

I went to reload and felt around my saddle bags. My hoof went through a small hole where the ammo was supposed to be. Shelby must have ripped the bag during our scuffle. My eyes locked with Shelby’s while she opened her claws for me to see. I did another half barrel roll simultaneously hitting the gear shifter to first. With a loud click the Challenger began to descend towards the mobile armory moving around the city still unloading round after round into Dead Eye’s police force.

With no other idea up my saddle bag I did the only thing I could think of. My horn lit up levitating over a bull horn from a trash can. “NOT IMPORTANT! I NEED TO RELOAD!” The clip-clopping from my hooves returned when I hit the ground galloping full speed for the mobile armory. I didn’t have time to stop and Not Important knew this. Her gun had stopped firing as a window in the unit fell open. Not Important leaned out. Both my guns floated out to the side with the barrel cracked out and the old ammo clip discarded. I ditched the bull horn with it.

Time slowed down to the point everything I was seeing felt like it was moving in super slow motion. I pulled up right next to the wagon and turned to look at Not Important. Shelby was right behind me. Not Important jammed a nine shot speed loader into my revolver simultaneously reloading my automatic with an extended clip. By nothing short of a miracle, this unicorn managed to toss several ammo boxes inside the side of my bag that wasn’t ripped. Time felt like it returned to normal as Not Important pulled the window shut.

I flew past the mobile armory and took to the sky above. There was a pause in my glider while I shifted into third. The wing speedometer clocked in at sixty five wing power and continued to climb higher and higher. Several loud cracks went zooming by me just as my left wing popped. I dropped several feet back to the ground and caught the sight of Dead Eye aiming for me. Son of a bitch can even hit a moving target fast!

My hooves hit the ground hard enough it made me cringe. Several throwing knives zoomed past me while I galloped down the street weaving around ponies galloping out into the line of fire. One pony went down while another was struck in the flank. Shelby doesn’t even freaking care! AGH! I swear she gets off on torturing ponies.

I looked up at Dead Eye leaning on a balcony with a sniper rifle in his hooves. With a slow inhale I carefully put my guns inside of the glove box near the radio. “Alright, Runner,” I spoke to myself and exhaled slowly. “You can do this again.” In all honesty, I could only form a protection spell a few times and I lost track of how many times I had used it already. Sadly, after so many uses it becomes increasingly harder to form my spell.

My horn flickered a little slowly forming another pink bubble around me. Dead Eye fired and shot the spell apart. I cringed and felt my head beginning to ache a little. Yup, that’s enough of that spell for a while.

The Challenger gave a lurch while I shifted into third again. I took back up to the skies and saw War open fire at Dead Eye from another building.

How the hell did they both get from one building to those two that fast?

KA-BOOM!

An explosion turned the sky bright orange while its shock made me wobble into a dangerously low drop of altitude. My back hoof hit the gear shifter into fourth. The Challenger flew back up while Shelby closed in on my location. We weaved around a few buildings that looked like they could grow into a skyscraper. Manehattan look out for these buildings!

Metallic screeching filled my ears forcing me to jerk my head to the source of the sound. Shelby got ready to swing and I went. Straight. UP! Her wings pulled her back, but her claws dug far enough into my glider to hold herself still. “Get off,” I barked at her! Shelby’s claws went for my head only to get nowhere near me. Something flashed in my rear view mirror. I stared at it feeling my heart skip more than enough beats.

KA-BOOM!

I slammed the brake pedal down with both hooves forcing me to drop right under the explosion!

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEOWWWWWWWWWWW!

Part of my mane singed making me scream out in pain. It didn’t take long before I saw part of Shelby’s wing on fire. The griffon assassin squawked relentlessly while she slapped the side of my Challenger in an attempt to put the flames out. It took her a matter of five seconds to put the flames out before releasing my glider and soaring past me. She did a loop and dove towards me. “Alright, let’s see which one of us is chicken!” My hoof slammed the gas pedal as far back as it could go. One of the turrets positioned itself at me.

VEEEEERUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

I unstrapped myself and fell.

OH SHIT! BAD IDEA! BAD IDEA!

My inner pony screamed at me, cursing with just as wonderfully colorful phrases that would possibly impress even Daring! I looked up just in time to see my hunk of metal ram Shelby into a tailspin just before …

KA-BOOM!

Bombastic sounds filled the air with a satisfying boom that rang through my ears. Feathers were scattered everywhere along with chunks of metal; I’ll admit it was sad seeing the latter plummeting to the city. Then I turned to the street below me. My heart rate picked up. I wanted to close my eyes. I didn’t. I jerked my head around looking for a crew member to bail me out, but no pony was in sight. When I said I wanted to feel the wind through my mane, I didn’t mean like this!

All I could do was pray to Celestia that I-

“GOT YOU!”

Daring scooped me in her hooves only letting my back hooves scrape the ground as we pulled back up into the air. My heart skipped a beat as I let out a breath that Celestia-only-knew how long I had been holding. I looked up at Daring and saw her giving me a smile that told me she was never going to let me hit the ground. “I’ve got your back, Runner.” And I’ve got yours! We hoof bumped and took off for the turrets attached to the wall.

I gave Shelby a salute for effort. She was in all sense of the word, deadly, but even something deadly isn’t enough to beat a well-built crew with a formulated plan. “You know I could really use a nap after this,” I panted in between words.

“What? You getting sleepy on me?” Daring shot me a confident smile while we passed over crowds of ponies fighting back against the zebra police force. If I wasn’t watching it with my own eyes, I’d swear that zebras were winning, but they weren’t. A loud crack rang through our ears.

Daring’s hooves coiled tighter around me while we dropped fast. My horn lit up and I managed to form half a protection spell under us only to have it shatter apart upon hitting the ground. I slid into a ruined Challenger amongst several others. Daring landed in a pile of scrap before rolling out from under the somehow stable structure with her body covered with gashes and scrapes. A medical kit was ripped from my saddle bags. I wrapped her body with bandage rags until she tore the rag apart once we had enough to heal her. Blood was dripping from her wing. Daring flung her wing one direction and ripped it back into a charcoal black wall. A piece of metal fell out of her wing.

Taking in the surroundings carefully I could see hallways branching out around us, all scorched or singed in some way or another. Behind me was a large bent out of shape piece of metal that looked like a dragon getting ready to breathe raging hot hell fire down on us. “We sure blew the roof off this place,” Daring trailed off looking straight up at the ceiling that had caved in at some point. I put a limping hoof around me to help her up. We were in no shape to continue a war we couldn’t finish. War, on the other hoof, probably had a backup plan that he and Rusty were acting upon right about now.

It took us several minutes to get to the burnt up factory room where my Challenger came from. Sadly there were no more usable gliders. With that in mind I kept helping a limping Daring get to the metal door that had been closed to keep any pony else out. I slid into my transparency spell. The only thing that didn’t turn transparent was the garage door that was locked up tight with an anti-magic padlock preventing me from seeing through it.

Oh no.

Please no. We are not prepared for Him of all ponies.

“Runner, what do you see?” Daring nudged me with her muzzle.

Dead Eye walked over to the metal door with a shotgun, assault rifle, pistol and sniper rifle all fully loaded. My eyes spared my own weapons a … where are my weapons? I thought back to Shelby bursting into a pile of feathers. My horn, at some point during that flight, had stopped glowing. Wherever my weapons were they wouldn’t be helping now. “Daring, give me your pistol.” I looked at her and she was about to say something, “Now.” Daring reached into her bag and gave me her remaining pistol. I checked to make sure it was loaded, but instead noticed a double barrel shotgun lying underneath some scrap metal. My horn lit up floating the mighty weapon over to me. The barrel cracked open to reveal two shells inside. That’s all I need.

I snapped the weapon shut and kept it levitating next to me. Daring could only stare at me while I pointed at another exit. I wasn’t going to argue about this one. Dead Eye hurt us, he could have scarred us for life with a permanent lesson on both our bodies if he had been in the mood. “Any advice?” I asked looking straight at the door.

“Don’t get shot.” Daring nudged me with her hoof. Don’t get shot. I’m about to go up against one of the fastest shots in the city, maybe even this part of Equestria, and all you have to say is ‘don’t get shot’. I’ll take it.

It didn’t take long for Daring to try and convince me to let her get into this gunfight, but my response was levitating her into the exit hall before blocking it off. I won’t let him hurt her again. I’m going to do what I should have done the night those bucking restraints were put on me. I’m going to kick his ass.

Above the garage door was a metal catwalk with several piles of scrap metal aside ruined gliders. Without a second thought I made my way up to the metal walkway so I could get the high ground. My hoof pushed some scrap out the way giving me a view of the ground below. I crouched low to the walkway, putting my fore hooves against the scrap pile. With my attention focused on nothing but the door I watched Dead Eye come inside after propping the door open with a metal kart.

I bucked the metal scrap down listening to it topple against the ground and pony below. Metallic screeches echoed all around us. Dead Eye’s shotgun fired at random while it clattered to the ground with the rest of his weapons. A loud pang below me made my pupils shrink.

“Oh crap,” I shouted with my voice echoing a little.

The entire catwalk groaned out in a metallic whine of pain, sliding out from its place and forming a ramp. My hooves shot out and held me in place between the guard rails. Something above me rattled taking my attention to it. I muttered a few more unkind words staring at a bulky glider that was in total shambles. My inner pony shouted at me to look down, so I did. Dead Eye bucked a few pipes off his suit jacket, lighting up his horn in dark red glow.

“Geez you’re a peachy downer,” unicorns look better with a lighter shade of magic. My horn fired off a blue spell at the glider making it tumble forward. I pushed myself away from the catwalk just in time to feel the hood scrape my back hooves before it crashed into the scrap pile below. A loud thud rang in my ears making them twitch while I slid across an overturned wagon. I leaned into my shotgun aiming it down at the glider Dead Eye was now pinned under.

BLAM! BLAM!

My bullets took out the wingspan protecting him from my last shot. I threw the shotgun down exchanging it for Daring’s pistol. Dead Eye pulled out a submachine gun formerly stuck under the glider. The clip unloaded in a quick burst while I dove down from the scrap towards my shotgun. I rolled past the gun, picking it up along the way, just before hiding behind a fridge. There was a box of ammo lying next to me. My hoof went to it and pulled out a single shotgun shell.

Crack.

Click!

Dead Eye rolled out from under the glider carcass with his pistol pointing straight at the fridge I was hiding behind. I stepped out from hiding with the double barrel pointed at his chest. “Go on, pull the trigger,” he said confidently.  “And see if you are faster shot than me.” We pulled our triggers simultaneously while I dove a little to the left to see the most bad ass thing ever. OUR BULLETS COLLIDED IN THE AIR! Shock put aside, I levitated out my pistol and fired off a few rounds at Dead Eye only to have his protection spell take the hits. I galloped over to him, throwing all me weight towards him, tackling the stallion against another fridge. Dead Eye threw the freezer door open, which I ducked under, only to have the bottom of the fridge swing out and whack me in the face. Hard.

I stumbled back falling against a glider frame where I saw Dead Eye’s saddle bags laying. There were several grenades inside. Dead Eye put his hooves down on me before dragging me back over to the fridge. My horn lit up and threw a hunk of metal at the stallion. He dove to the left, right behind a glider. I galloped over to the torn off saddle bags grabbing several grenades in my levitation field. The end of Dead Eye’s hoof slammed hard into my muzzle making me lose focus enough to drop the grenades. They all scattered around like marbles as I hit the ground noticing something shiny that looked almost like an apple stem.

Oh crap!

I pushed myself up running for the open garage door. The grenade went off sending shrapnel everywhere. I slid across the ground picking up a grenade with the pin still intact. Dead Eye galloped behind me while I pulled the pin. Without a moment’s hesitation I dropped the active grenade down next to several others, simultaneously bucking the metal kart behind me letting the garage door slam shut behind me. With an aching headache forming in my head I focused carefully. My horn started lighting up every so slowly. Each window or door, anything, that could be covered really, was engulfed in my protection spell.

“And,” the remaining intact windows near me exploded, “pop goes the weasel.” I exhaled.

All this action and fighting makes me so thirsty! I rolled a bottle of water out from my saddle bags, took a drink, than tossed it in a trash can. The sounds of turret fire ceased before I could see each one of them explode one after another taking part of the walls down to. We were winning. I chuckled with a light smile. We were actually winning this.

A puff of red magic exploded in front of me, my heart stopped beating, the smile on my face turned into a blank expression. “Did you forget, Mister Runner, the house always wins.” My pistol was too far from my hoof. A bead of sweat ran down my muzzle. Dead Eye’s revolver aimed straight at me. My pupils narrowed at the sight of magic exploding in between me and Dead Eye.

CRACK!

A puff of magic floated down to the ground, like strings of confetti, with War’s legs giving out on him. My pupils returned to normal taking in every detail of what was happening. War hit the ground with a puddle of his own blood forming around him. No … please Celestia … NO! “And so ends the life of one very troublesome stallion,” Dead Eye put his hoof on top of War’s neck. I leaned for my pistol and felt a bullet rip through my leg making me yell out in agonizing burning pain. “I have decided to terminate our contract Mister Runner, I am sure you would agree that after today’s actions we cannot keep contact with one another. Please, give War my regards. And don’t worry, I’ll send Miss Adventure to you soon enough.”

I gritted my teeth together. You know I don’t mind losing, but I hate losing to this guy. Too bad this gamble cost me my life.

CRACK!

Dead Eye locked eye contact with me. Blood started running down his muzzle and he just hit the ground. Not in an overly dramatic old style movie kind of way, just a simple fall. His body just lay on the ground unmoving with a puddle of his own blood forming around him. I turned to our mobile armory pulling up to find Oceans busting open the door yelling out our fallen friend’s name. Daring let out a scream from the other side of the factory wall, I didn’t hear anything though. Everything inside of me was just silent. Empty. My face felt … wet.

*** ***

I couldn’t wipe the sight of Daring sobbing over War from my mind. She’d been gone for a couple of minutes now, having taken War’s body in the mobile armory to find a more suitable resting place, I hadn’t moved an inch since she’d left. Oceans yelled at a Rusty, throwing his hoof around angrily while I just watched on. It took a minute to finally zone back in on what was going on. “This was your plan, Rusty! And what do we have to show for it? A dead thief, with an injured unicorn and pegasus that you put up as bait!” They had my full attention now. Rusty sighed and looked at me. Oh, he knew that I had heard that.

Oceans tensed up and rubbed the back of his mane nonchalantly looking away. My eyes narrowed. He knew as well. In fact he didn’t even look like he was going to apologize for what was going on. Rusty cleared his throat. “Simply put, we’re great actors. Just look at War, he’s literally playing dead.” Oceans jammed him with his hoof. “I’m sorry, that was too soon.”

Then they’ll be caught.

Rusty started scratching his head trying to put his thoughts into words. Oh, he knew I was pissed and ready for action. I could see my gun out the corner of my eyes. Their strange behavior on the train was making sense now. “I knew Dead Eye was going to catch you guys last night, who do you think tipped him off that some pony was there to steal from him?” My jaw dropped. He, what! “Yeah, it was all part of my plan. See, before we came into the city we needed to get Dead Eye’s attention, so what better way to do that than to get noticed breaking and entering?” I gritted my teeth. Daring considered these guys family! Wait. No. “War was pretty convincing when you guys got back, like I said, we’re great actors.”

As far as I’m concerned our plan is still going according to plan.

This was planned far in advance. That means that Daring was in on it to? Right? “What about Daring?” I found myself asking rather quickly. “Was she … in on this to?” Rusty Horseshoe went silent, nonchalantly looking away from my glare. From his silence I could tell she didn’t know anything about this. And now that I think about it, Daring had little insight into the plan to begin with. “You guys are like family to her and you pull this crap! You both can go bite a flank, but first I want my payment.”

Rusty hissed scratching is mane. My fore hoof started tapping the ground. Oceans took a few steps over to me while my hoof stretched over to my gun. He knocked it away. “Yeah, Runner, about that. See, War was going to pay you, not us. So, no, we won’t be paying you. Thanks for the hideout list though, take some pride in the fact you just helped us get one step closer to finding Sombra.” He scoffed. “I mean, you try to do things for the sake of doing good things.” I got up with my horn aglow.

“I have to give this back to Daring,” I said coldly.

*** ***

Not Important had bailed from the city after the turrets were taken down. Turns out that was all her doing, I kind of wish I could have gotten to know her a lot more. Seemed like an interesting mare and from what I could piece together, she probably didn’t have anything to do with Rusty’s plan to get us captured.

I didn’t think about anything on my walk over to the armory sitting across from our former hotel, which had been blasted apart at some point during the fighting. I bet the Princesses never saw something like this going down in Equestria. Kinda wish stuff like this hadn’t happened. Daring was staring into the mobile armory with her eyes looking puffy. This tough mare has taught me one thing, no matter how strong you think you are, no matter how tough as nails you are, none of that will matter in Equestria because this version of a once beautiful place will tear you down.

I put my hooves down on the wagon. Daring didn’t look like she was in the mood to talk, but she needed to know. I needed to tell her, because that’s what friends are for. “Daring, about War. He … He was pretending to be worried about us when we got caught. Rusty planned for us to get caught and tortured. This family of yours, isn’t much of a family.”

Daring gritted her teeth and slammed a hoof against the wall.

“Excuse me, what in Celestia and Luna’s name gives you the right to tell me about my family,” her chest puffed in and out. She pushed her pith helmet up looking me dead in the eyes. “And what the hell are you talking about.” Daring leaned up against the wagon.

“Rusty and the others used us,” I spoke calmly. I wasn’t mad at them anymore, just disappointed. In all honesty part of me thinks they’re just thieves trying to play hero. “Daring, the way they used you should tell you something. This isn’t a family, not even a team. A team doesn’t use its members like that.”

Daring punched me in the face with her hoof and sent me down to the ground. My hoof ran over the spot she had hit. I got up, then felt her wing slap me across the face. “Then go!” She barked. “We don’t need someone that’s going to complain about every little thing we do. You got your bits and gems so get the hell out of here and leave us alone!” I took one last glance at War. Now I kind of felt like I should have been the one shot, but I had my own family to think about now. I probably won’t ever find out why War protected me like he did, but I’ll remember him being a fun stallion to hang around with, as opposed to what I know Rusty and Oceans are.

I took a few steps away from Daring, sparing a look at the street heading to the train station. “They didn’t pay me; I guess the house does always win.” I started walking.

Return

Chapter Eighteen: Return

Being with Silver Shoe taught me one thing, being with Glider taught me another, but I think being in Equestria is what taught me this lesson. I’m sure every pony else around hearing this already knows. This Equestria isn’t sunshine and rainbows anymore. It’s a very mean and nasty place. This Equestria will beat you to the ground, keep you there permanently if you let it. Life will hit you harder than any pony, griffon, or other creature in this world can. It doesn’t matter how many times you get hit. It’s about how many times you get back up after being knocked down. Celestia knows her subjects have been knocked down, but we get back up. We evolve our way of life. Even if it means using weapons we never needed way back when. Equestria has taught me that I can take a lot and keep moving, no matter how much it hurts, you keep walking forward with your head held high.

*** ***

I sat on my haunches outside Princess Twilight’s castle reading the twentieth issue of Swordmares. I had sold the book War dropped on my head the other night. I got six bags of gems since it was a spell book written by Star Swirl. Plus it was first edition! Now I was catching up on my reading having just bought the sixteenth through twentieth issues of my favorite comic. Best exchange ever. If the Traders Exchange in Rainbow Falls ever gets started back up I am so going there to track down some mint comics. The clouds above my head rumbled loudly which oddly enough sounded like an engine.

Specifically a 3.0 liter, turbocharged, with four hundred horsepower.

I took a look up at the skies to find a glider descending to the street near Sugar Cube Corner. The engine roared a bit louder as I stood up. “That’s got to be Glider,” I said to no pony in particular. My hooves slid the comics back inside my bags before I galloped off to find out the owner that engine belonged do … oh … and that’s not four hundred horsepower.

It’s five hundred. You’re slipping Runner, what would the others think! Shame on you.

I trudged down several different streets, mindlessly bumping into ponies on accident, before seeing the glider disappear from view behind some buildings. Ugh. I hate it when gliders disappear on me. Turning to the next street I passed Sugar Cube Corner listening carefully for any engine revs. I waited. And waited. And waited. Waited some more. Still waiting. Nothing. I groaned again. Galloping down the street practicing my transparency spell on a few office buildings around, it became more apparent to me that Ponyville had changed a lot since that memory jewel with the first glider test.

I found my way to the end of the street and saw a bright sunrise orange Supra Mark IV glider parked in an open garage. My jaw dropped. It looks beautiful!

The stance is near perfect. And with a closer look it look lit it’s boasting a proud five hundred fifty horsepower. Without as much as a second thought I galloped off to the Supra to get an up close look. I slowed to a light trot admiring the large spoiler that almost looked like it was another set of wings. The blocks were made out of the same nice looking metal similar to Glider’s 240SX. This is pure eye candy for me! It looks so COOL! On the side of the blocks, one on each side, was a pair of silver pegasi flying forward.

The owner popped open the hood and I gave a gentle knock on the door. I was taken a bit surprised by the stallion’s coat. He had a dark blue coat with an orange mane color that I wasn’t sure would work for other ponies, but this guy pulled it off well. He also had a pair of ocean blue eyes that seemed to stand out more than anything else. His cutie mark was an indistinguishable silver pegasus with one hoof sticking straight out. “What’s the retail on one of those,” I took a hoof step in and examined the amount of wrench time that had gone into it. Then I realized I had stepped in uninvited. The owner smiled.

My hooves moved back a little while the owner just waved a hoof at me without a care in the world. “Without any aftermarket parts, about three bags. With parts, it’ll go for five or six bags worth of gems.” We shook hooves over the blocks. Inside the engine bay was a Rainbow Dash engine that had sounded nearly, if not already, tuned to perfection.

“Sweet Luna, that is beautiful.”

The owner chuckled reaching for a wrench on the wood shelves built along the walls. It was a completely better version of the little fun house I had back at my old place. Seriously, this garage was my dream. Every kind of tool I could ever need was in here. “You a glider enthusiast,” the owner inquired curiously. I nodded with a grin. “You know if you’re interested I have a glider for sale.” My attention went down to the Supra giving me time to register his words in my head. I did a double take.

He was selling a glider? I need a glider! Sometimes I just want to give the universe a big hug and thank it for being so nice to me. “Heck yeah, I’m interested. What is it?” I was full of energy now. Blood racing with anticipation for a race that would be coming sooner than later. It wasn’t until now that I realized my hooves were covered with dried up blood. The owner noticed and offered a rag. I declined the offer.

His hoof pointed out a picture on his wall. I turned my attention to it with a dropped jaw. Stunning. To say the least it was stunning. It was a Pegasi Import, bright green with two eagles painted on the wingspan to look like they were taking off. “That’s what mine used to look like before it was shot up,” the owner chuckled, “but with enough wrench time you could have it running again. It tops out at one forty, just a heads up.” I nodded and hummed. That was reasonable enough to make an offer on it. I’d be surprised if it wasn’t in slightly used condition. I turned looking straight at his eyes. Seriously, it was like I was staring at the ocean itself, which I had never actually seen except for in books.

“Sold, how many bags?” I didn’t need to think about it, I wanted that glider. If my Mustang is out of reach then this will be the next best thing.

The owner thought about it for the longest time. His attention went back to the picture. It almost felt like he didn’t want to let go of it. “Tell you what, why don’t you let me think it over. Swing by tomorrow?” I nodded and we shook hoofs before I trotted out the garage.

“I’ll hold you to it,” I called back to him. The owner chuckled and shook his head before closing the garage.

*** ***

I approached my new home with more enthusiasm than I thought, each step had a little bounce to it, almost like I had Pinkie Pie’s energy inside me. My light bounce turned into a slow trot once I caught the sight of a dark blue Maxima alongside an icy white Jetta parked near the garage. The stickers plastered on the blocks stood out like a sore hoof. I took note that those gliders were designed differently. They both turned transparent.

The Maxima had two sets of wings, one in the back and one in the front, not counting the spoiler attached to the back. The Jetta was low slung, at least without the kick stands, and was made to be a freaking bullet. Mm, damn those are sexy. I let out a low whistle and felt the sunshine beat down on me a little. My entire coat warmed up right away. Finding my way around the corner I inhaled the smell of hay burgers and saw Vin having some sort of game with Lucky Clover. They were playing … I think the griffons called it Rock Paper Scissors. “Why do we even play this game I always lose,” Lucky grunted out before giving up. Candle Light was at the grill laughing.

Her hoof went back to grilling the hay slowly, until her eyes locked on me.

She gasped a little trotting over to me. I was brought into a tight hug, “Runner, I heard about the shootout, are you okay?” I looked at her, then at my slightly red hooves. There was no hiding it from her. With each passing second I began to notice how badly those throwing knives had sliced up my hooves. It was a surprise to even me that I had walked all around town without taking notice. “There are bandage rags upstairs in the bathroom, behind the mirror,” she took a sniff at my mane. “You … need to shower.” What? I don’t smell … Oh, sweet Luna, I need a shower.

I galloped on inside coming face to face with Glider. She took one look at me and put a bottle of Pegasus Breed in the freezer. After a pat on my back she trotted out the door with a drink in her hoof. I went upstairs, pushing open the bathroom door to find a set of bandage rags already set out on the sink. The showerhead sent water pulsing out like a jet while I tossed my saddle bags down in the corner of the room. My holster was set down on top of the rest of my stuff. I stepped inside the tub and took in a long stuttered deep breath.

The water practically slapped the ground beneath me while I mentally went over the events in Harbor City. Everything came crashing down on my conscious for a second and then washed away. I wasn’t going to let it hurt me, not that and certainly nothing else from my past … except for Silver Shoe. I exhaled slowly with a stutter. My eyes looked down at the stream of red water rushing to the drain. That place sure did a number on me. I just have to endure and survive. Just like the mare in Swordmares. I’m going to miss Daring though … it was fun just being in her general area. Even if she can be headstrong sometimes. I wonder if that’s a trait that all of Daring Doo’s decedents have.

It took me until now to notice all four of my legs were burning underneath the rushing water. I nickered. Alright, so now I just need to do one more thing to set myself straight. Candle Light said I needed to find a code. Well … I don’t know where to start, but I’m sure finding a code will be easier if I just let it find me. I turned the shower off, shaking my mane like a wet dog trying to dry off.

Taking a step out of the shower I grabbed a towel, quickly drying off while listening to the sounds of hip hop music out in the backyard. I let out a yawn and opened up the bandage rags. One of them was long enough to serve my purposes, once I was done patching myself up, I took my belongings to my room and tossed them on top of the bed before trotting back down to the kitchen to grab my icy cold Pegasus Breed.

I trotted back outside immediately greeted by the warm sun again. Sweet smelling horseshoe fries filled my nostrils to the point I was about to drool. Lucky Clover’s slightly gruff voice caught my attention. “Well, well, well there’s our very own timber wolf in training. Where’ve you been pumpkin,” he teased. I just chuckled, taking seat down at the picnic table right next to Glider.

“I thought I was the timber wolf around here,” Vin commented before chugging his Pegasus Breed.

Glider couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “Don’t be jealous Vin, you’re still our teams timber wolf, although Runner could give you a run for your bits if he keeps gallivanting off like this.”

I rolled my eyes in amusement, taking a sip from my Pegasus Breed. The smell of the last batch of horseshoe fries caught my attention again. It smelt so good that my stomach let out a low growl. Candle Light set two bowls of fries down with a plate stacked with hay burgers.

My hoof went in, pulling one delicious looking burger out for my watering mouth. The moment I went to bite it, a hoof smacked my muzzle. I blinked a few times before looking over at Glider. Lucky Clover nickered. This didn’t feel right, I felt like I had done something wrong. Candle Light took a seat, “Because you were the first to reach in to get the burgers you’re saying grace.” Oh. Well. That. Yeah, I can do that.

Every pony looked down and joined hooves. A moment went by. There was another problem. I didn’t know any prayers. My eyes went around, no pony was giving me the slightest attention yet. Vin coughed over his shoulder signaling for me to say something. “Thank you heavenly … Celestia for bringing us all together. Luna, we give thanks to your spirit watching over us at night, as well as your beautiful moonlight,” I was running out of things to say. Do … Do I say something about Princess Twilight? I … just don’t know. “Cadence, thank you for spreading love across Equestria for all of us to have. Twilight, ugh … umm, thank you for hoof crafted ball bearing turbos, well made intercoolers and two stage nitrous systems.” I cleared my throat once I finished.

Glider let my hoof go as her warm yet squeaky laugh was let out. “Praising the glider goddess’s man,” the mare next to me gave me a light shove. “Let’s eat some grub guys.” Both mares went in for some food and the other two guys followed their example. Candle Light gave me a satisfied smile for that.

In all honesty I lost track of time after the first bite. All I remember is having a great time talking about fast gliders, especially the Grand Tour circuit that took place in Saddle Arabia this year. Didn’t know much about it, but from what was said, they had phenomenal gliders!

The clouds had rolled in again taking away the sunlight that I was beginning to get accustomed to. We took our little party inside to catch a movie on TV while Candle Light, or should I say me and Candle, did the dishes.

Candle Light’s hoof made a circular motion against the plate using a rag. I set the last of the dishes down on the counter, listening to the sounds of explosions coming from the TV. Action movies, the best kind of movie out there, none of the romantic bull shit that doesn’t actually happen. Just two hours of cool characters mixed with a decent plot where those same characters do something slick to get out of a bad situation. “Need anything else?” My hooves took a plate and rag from the counter.

Another series of explosions echoed from the other room making Candle Light and I jump. I swear that little TV has some sort of surround sound system hooked up to it. Knowing how much tech those gliders have in them it wouldn’t surprise me if they had the same setup inside. “That’s okay, go join the others watching the movie.” She gestured towards the door.

Yeah, see that’s where I’m a little confused. My father had taught me one important lesson about the pony that cooks. Always clean for them.

I shook my head with a slight nudge at the soap. “No, see my father taught me that the cook never cleans.” Candle Light put her plate down. Her eyes stared straight at out the window looking a tad bit upset. There was a bit of water near her eye, but I couldn’t tell if it was from the running faucet or from her tearing up about something.

There was a small grin on her face, “Yeah, well I’d welcome a place that teaches that.” I looked at her eyes and could see water in them. If it bothers her that much though I could just … set down the plate. Rather not though, especially after how nice she’s been. I asked her if she was alright, but all Candle did was shrug it off not wanting to talk about whatever was bothering her. “Here’s some soap,” she passed me half a bar of soap, “try not to drop it.” I laughed giving her a light bump.

So I understand why Luck Clover has a glider, but Glider and Vin have wings. I voiced my notice to Candle while she hummed a song to both of us. “You’d be surprised by how many glider enthusiasts ask that question,” she said with a laugh. “I’m sure you know that those gliders can go up to triple digit wing powers, well most pegasi can’t fly that fast without using some NOS pills. Glider can fly that fast without a machine, but she prefers the sound of pistons over her own wings.” I chuckled nodding understandingly. Who wouldn’t like flying gliders? I mean the response you get from a perfectly tuned V8 with turbochargers or that sweet hiss of a NOS kit just can’t be beat.

“Oh, speaking of gliders, I met a stallion who’s willing to sell me one.”

Candle Light smiled and set the clean plate down. “Really, who?” You know I didn’t think to get his name. I exchanged my clean plate for a dirty one.

Several minutes of silence went between us until Candle Light figured out what was going on through my mind. Her smile was gorgeous. “I, uh didn’t think to ask him for his name. Let you know when I talk to him tomorrow, after I get a price for the Eclipse.” Her smile wavered a bit. Her hoofs let the plate slip out, but she quickly caught it.

*** ***

My mouth stretched open wide letting a yawn the size of an average Pinkie Pie party balloon out. Ugh. Man those guys sure do know how to party. Last time I checked I clocked in around midnight having no prior knowledge to what time I should show up at the Supra owner’s place.

With a loud groan I rolled off my bed stretching out like a cat, which I wasn’t a big fan of. I’ll give those felines this though, they sure do know how to get a good stretch going. I shook off the rest of my drossiness and took a look at my comics. My hoof tapped the ground a couple of times until I lit up my horn. Each comic individually floated up out of my bag then into two stacks of ten. Twenty down. Twenty five more to go. This was shaping up to be a great collection. Maybe when I’m done I’ll ask Page Turner for another comic book series to check out.

Freshly cooked eggs caught my noses attention forcing a good growl out of my stomach. “Time to get some food then head out at,” I looked at the clock, “almost noon with partially sunny skies.” Taking a look out the window I noticed it was nothing but grey outside. “High chance of rain,” I said dully.

Entering the kitchen I found the sweet sensational smell of eggs was nowhere to be seen. Candle Light was washing some dishes humming to herself. “Did I miss breakfast?”

She turned her attention over to me and shook her head.

“No, Glider and the others just had one last delivery to do early today, but if you run by Sugar Cube Corner I can whip you up something.” I shrugged and pulled out some bits from my bit bag. With a quick salute I wished her a good morning and trotted out the back door.

I galloped down the road feeling a gust of wind whip by me sending shivers through my whole body. Ponies were already moving about without a care in the world. It’s funny how easy I forget about the infected being here. I hope at some point a pony out there can find a cure for all of them. Can’t begin to even imagine what the inner pony inside that messed up head of theirs is going through.

From what I can gather, if the Alicorn Sphere caused all this mess, maybe reverse engineering it would help bring about the cure. After all it did cause all of this. That’s all hypothetical though, plus it’s none of my business anymore.

Speaking of business, what the hell am I going to do with my map of Equestria? I’ll figure that out later. Got nothing but time these days along with enough bits to last me until I start racing for gems.

I galloped into Sugar Cube Corner with a greeting of a pure cold wave of air. Within a moment of being there I started wondering why in Celestia’s name some pony found it necessary to keep a building this cold.

“Runner!”

My ears perked up a little. I turned around with my jaw dropped. A pony wearing rancher clothing and a silver star on his vest was panting behind me practically gasping for air. “Deputy … uh … here.” I tossed some bits down on the counter and grabbed a water from the refrigerator. The deputy drank it right away.

His attention was more or less on water. I sighed, waving my hoof around for him to get to the point. “Runner, you’ve got to come with me. You and Silver Shoe’s home is under attack!” I scoffed. That’s bull shit. Those walls are taller than Celestia’s castle in Canterlot and thicker than a bloaters gut. “I didn’t believe it either until the Sheriff showed me these,” he pulled out several pictures of Reapers going into the tunnel I used to escape.

“What the hell,” I spat on the pictures on accident. My heart rated picked up as my eyes slowly narrowed on Deputy. “When were these taken?”

“Today,” he wheezed. “Runner, they’re slaughtering ponies in droves and the militia inside doesn’t have enough pony power to push them back. Can’t get enough ponies inside either.”

My horn lit up and levitated out Candle Light’s eggs simultaneously setting down enough bits to pay for everything. Adrenalin pumped through every vein in my body. My blood boiled. Hot, electric almost. I felt more focused then I had ever been in my entire life now that I knew what I was going to do. “Runner, where are we going?” I hadn’t noticed until now, but Deputy was stuck in my levitation field.

It took me just a couple of minutes to get back to the house. Nothing but silence had been between me and Deputy since he asked me that question. I telekinetically threw him in a chair next to the picnic table. “I’m going to show the Reapers the door step to hell.” I turned, bucking open the door to the kitchen. Candle Light jumped up startled with her mouth open. I put my hoof to her muzzle and shushed her. “I need your glider key.” Her hoof slid it to me.

I could tell I was scaring her, but she was ready to do something about it. Just as I got ready to turn she cut me off. “What’s going on?” I looked straight into her eyes. She knew something had gone wrong.

“Reapers are attacking mine and Glider’s sisters old home,” I paused thinking about the gear I would need. “Guns. I need guns.” My hoof tapped the ground, but I told myself there was no gun shop around here or for miles. Time was short and I needed to move. “I’ve got to go. I’m taking your glider. Pray for me, please.” Candle Light nodded, wrapping her hooves around me, wishing me to be careful.

It didn’t need to be said, but I could see that she had wanted a family member that didn’t go off doing crazy dangerous things. Sadly, I’m not that family member. “Come back to us safely and stop whatever it is that’s going on out there. You understand me.”

I galloped out the door while my holster wrapped around me. My pistol slid inside it.

Wrapping my hoof around Deputy, I yanked him up from the chair and told him to stand where he was at. Approaching the garage as fast as I could I bucked the doors open and geared up with the Integra. My hoof revved the engine just before I galloped forward, having Deputy jump on and grab the handle inside the top to keep him from slipping, most ponies called it the “oh shit” bar. “Hang on.” I galloped forward taking off into the air at thirty wing power. My back hoof shifted into second then third while the wing speedometer approached seventy wing power after just a couple of seconds passed.

*** ***

Dust flew past my hooves while coming to a sliding halt in front of the bar I used to hide out in. Huh. Now that I see those walls, they don’t look as big anymore. Actually they don’t even look that thick or as terrifying like they used to. I spat at the ground. “The ponies in there need to see the outside world. They’re nothing but animals caged up waiting for death when there’s so much out here to experience,” Deputy gave me a deadpan expression, “you know when you’re not being chased by infected.” We both nodded understandingly.

Deputy stretched his neck back to get a good view of the walls top edge and protection spell. I took a peak up noticing the pink dome was no longer there. It was just … gone. That can’t be good. “So this is where you an that beautiful mare came from. Is it really a prison?”

I hummed looking at our former escape route. It didn’t take me that long to decide, but I think part of me wasn’t sure if Silver Shoe was being serious at the time. One of the best decision we ever made was leaving and now I’m going back.

“Deputy, how’d you guys get those pictures without being seen,” I voiced the question that had been on my mind since we left Ponyville.

Deputy was reloading his revolver. We needed more than just this. “Oh, actually we got them from some mare. Sheriff should be getting here soon.” As if on que, there were voices coming from behind another building. My hoof tapped the ground impatiently. “You know my name isn’t Deputy right?” I froze for a moment then looked at him. “It’s Chest Nut.” I totally knew that. “Don’t give me that look, you had no idea.” We started laughing. Oh! I still have his comics!

I cleared my throat and scratched my mane. “Hey, Silver Shoe took your Swordmares comic books last time I saw you. If you want them back, they’re yours.” Chest Nut shook his head telling me to keep them. I offered for him to take them back, but he declined saying that he already read the entire series.

Sheriff came around the corner with his usual stone expression. Couldn’t read his thoughts for anything even if I tried. “Good to see you again Runner, I took the time to get your team together.” I liked the sound of that.

“You guys found Glid … what the hell are you guys doing here,” I gritted my teeth. Rusty Horseshoe along with Eleven Oceans stepped around the corner armed to the teeth with weapons of all kind. My anger got the better of me as I marched over to them.

Sheriff got between us, slowly pushing me back, “Hey, now just calm down!”  Not Important showed up with a wagon behind her. Deputy took one look at her and … wait a second. Are there weapons in that wagon? “That one right there brought us an army of weapons to use.” I let out a sigh of relief and looked at the two con artists in front of me. Half of me knew I could use their help, but the other half just wanted me to go at this with just a four pony team consisting of myself, Deputy, Sheriff and Not Important.

My emotions eventually got in check thanks to a long deep breath along with a quick reminder of why I was about to do what I was going to do. I took a look at each pony here to help me. Daring wasn’t here. “I understand why you’re here,” my hoof pointed at the Sheriff standing with his Deputy, “but not why you two are here.” Not Important and I had no hard feelings against each other. In fact she looked like she had been ready for a fight like this a long time ago.

Eleven Oceans charisma wasn’t going to work on me this time. After Harbor City this guy’s charm had worn off on me. Rusty put his hoof against Oceans just before he tried to speak. “Runner, what we did to you was wrong. After you left, Daring confronted us so we told her everything. However, Not Important got in touch with her after she found out what was going on over here.” I’m impressed, not by the two con artists, but by the fact that Not Important can get around Equestria so fast. I looked at her and got ready to ask how she got around so fast.

“I knew a guy that knew how to get around, different country different time.” Not Important responded bluntly, before mentioning she didn’t want to talk about it.

Not Important spoke with little emotion in her voice that time. Obviously there was more to her than met the eye which I loved. An asset who knew how to get shit done was always welcomed. Rusty cleared his throat, “We decided that this is going to be our last job, we’ll leave the other missions for some other rag tag team of renegades. I know we owe you a lot of money, but I hope being in charge of our group for this mission will suffice.” I nodded. That was a good deal actually. Bits will come and go, but a crew that can get something done is hard to find.

Now that just left Daring, wherever she was it wasn’t near me or the District. “Daring’s on her way,” Not Important informed me. “With more backup from Manehattan.” Her hoof went to the wagon and we all walked around to the back ready to examine her inventory. The back swung up as everything inside practically began glowing gold. My horn lit up and I took an extra pistol with enough ammo clips to keep me company. Rusty took all the sniper rifle ammo he could fit inside of a duffle bag then slung it around his back.

I slowly nodded my head. Everything was going through my head right now, mostly emotions, anger towards a few different ponies and even some sympathy for the ponies inside. I took in another deep breathe. “Alright then, here’s the plan. Oceans, when we get inside I want you to find a machine gun. Get it by any means necessary then unleash hell. Sheriff and Deputy, I need you two to bring as many Reaper ponies as you can into the street.” We started walking to the walls with our focus turned to the small hole leading to the pipes underground. I knew the pipes almost by heart even after being gone for an unprecedented amount of time. I could still get us through with little effort. “Not Important, I need you to get my glider over the wall,” she was busy prepping her glider. With a simple hoof wave she got to work on doing … whatever idea she had to get them both over the wall. “Rusty, once we get inside I’ll need you to be our sniper,” I sounded almost unsure of what our jobs would be.

“Is that an order or a question,” Not Important called out to me.

“An order.”

She smiled at that, nodding confidently.

I slowed to a light trot then started looking in the bushes for Silver Shoe’s map. That’s strange, it’s not here. My hooves ripped every branch away, but nothing was there. “So where’s that friend of yours?” Deputy commented next to me. I moved away from the bush and looked at him. As much as I wanted to feel bad about that, I didn’t have the time. Not now. Deputy got the message though. “I’m so sorry.” He gave me a pat on the back and we all jumped down the hole into the darkness below.

Ready or not, here we come.

Assault on District Twelve

Chapter Nineteen: Assault on District Twelve

CRACK! CRACK!

A Reaper hit the ground in front of me without any signs of life in his eyes. All five of us galloped down the leaky pipeline listening to the sounds of gunfire going on in the District. Each shot made me twitch with adrenaline filled anger. There was no point in even looking out the vents to see what was going on, I could have seen what was going on even if my eyes had been closed. We took another pipe coming face to face with a wall.

“A dead end?” Oceans put his hooves on the wall looking for some sort of secret entrance.

Like Silver Shoe used to tell me, not every earth pony would think to look up. I got to work telekinetically moving every crate above us into a makeshift staircase. Rusty tapped Oceans shoulder, turning his attention to the makeshift stairs, and galloped up with me. Sheriff and Deputy galloped behind us being extra cautious for Reapers trying to follow. I let every crate just drop. I bolted in front of everyone, taking the group straight to a stack of crates. My horn lit up again, blasting all of them apart with one well-placed shot. Each one of us scrambled up the ladder towards the light shining through a crack between the wall and bookcase.

Shoving the book case out of the way, I jumped up into Oak Tree’s apartment while the others followed behind me. The place was still a mess. My hoof stepped on top of some cookies that looked like they were made for Hearths Warming Eve. I stand corrected, either I didn’t notice how bad this place was before or it had gotten worse and somehow came with wrong seasonal food. Oak Tree was taking cover in a poorly made fort which consisted of an overturned bed, chair and comforter laying on top of it all. The old goat jumped out with a rifle pointed the wrong way, “I’ve got a gun!” I don’t have time for this.

I telekinetically ripped the gun away from him. “Runner! Is that you?” I actually miss him calling me Silver Runner. Kind of.

“How did they get in?” I asked cautiously, only to see part of an explosion out the corner of my eye.

The old goat brought a hoof to his long chin and stroked his beard. I swear if he was thinking about asking for a hoofout I’d be the one to take him out, or at least send his little fort toppling down. “I saw one of them run by my door holding a map.”

I inhaled very slowly to the point every pony took a step back.

Damn it, Silver Shoe.

I paced back and forth wondering what they were supposed to be doing here to begin with. It’s not like this place has anything worth stealing from it. Even if it did there’s a matter of it being locked in the armory. I turned to the window focusing my attention on the fights below. Buildings burned like the inside of a fireplace with sheering flames spouting from several dozen concrete walls. Ponies scrambled out from them using spells to put the roaring flames out.

Sheriff looked out the other window and put a hoof against his chest out of sheer shock. I wasn’t sure if it was from seeing a District for the first time or for the fact that it was being blasted to bits by Reapers. “Sweet Celestia,” he said softly while his stone wall expression was let down a little. Deputy whispered what sounded like a prayer under his breath. My attention was drawn to the pegasi Reapers attaching sticky bombs to the walls surrounding us. Several explosions went off but only managed to give it a slight crack.

Whatever’s going on here is going to be put to a stop. “You guys think Daring will really show up for this, we didn’t exactly have the best goodbye.” Rusty put his hoof around me and gave me a pat on the back while he assessed the situation. His eyes practically lit up like a computer trying to analyze everything at once. “Besides, we’ll need all the help we can get.”

“Relationships can be,” Rusty started.

Oceans finished with “Yeah.”

“But they can also,” Rusty spoke directly at me.

Oceans finished with, “That’s right.”

I don’t … what … I don’t … stop finishing each other’s sentences! How does Daring put up with these two? For Celestia sake please tell me. I groaned and looked at a tall building close to the middle of the city. “Rusty, that’s your building. If you run into trouble there’s a tunnel right below there that the Reapers probably used to get in. Use it to go there,” I pointed my hoof at another tall building where the pipe would take him to. Rusty hummed and took his hoof away from me. Oceans gave me a walkie-talkie. “If you guys get hurt, hurt them back, you get killed, walk it off.”

I pushed the button down. “Not Important, where are you?”

“You’re going to want to jump out the window,” was her blunt response.

I turned and gave Sheriff a hoof shake wishing him luck while mentioning to give any spare weapons they could find to any allies in the area. He trotted out the door with Deputy ready for action. My attention was turned to Rusty and Oceans. I opened my mouth, but Rusty spoke. “Runner, it would our genuine pleasure.” Both con artists galloped out the door ready for action. With a deep inhale I looked at the window. My horn lit up and I watched the window slide open. Galloping at full speed I gave myself a good push from the ground, squeezing right through the narrow space.

The moment I jumped out the window I fell straight down. Not Important flew past me as I arched my back a little. Candle Light’s Integra hit my back and I strapped it on telekinetically, simultaneously hitting the gas pedal. Letting the wings take me up into the air I took a look at what was going on. District residents were being beaten up in the streets, being yelled at. Not Important unloaded a clip into several of the Reapers.

No sign of Bolt Action.

I banked right and saw a few pegasi Reapers attempting to put bombs on the wall again. They all just dropped out of the sky. “Good job, Rusty.” I descended down to the street and touched down into a gallop. My hooves slid across the dirt while my eyes locked on Silver Shoe’s house. The stands ejected out, keeping my glider propped up, while I slid out from underneath the machine.

Silver Shoe’s mother, pressed against the ground by a Reaper, his hooves deep in her neck, sent every hair in my mane up. My hooves galloped forward as I scooped up a wood plank from the ground. Smashing the board down on top of the Reaper made the thing break in two as well as knock the insufferable bitch unconscious. Before Silver Shoe’s mother had time to react I helped her up. “Runner, what are you doing here,” she said between gasps for air. I looked around for Silver Shoe’s father.

“I’m here to send these guys packing.”

Two loud cracks went off into the Reapers back undoubtedly killing him right away. Silver Shoe’s father stepped outside with a rusty pump action shotgun in his mouth. Oh yeah, I forgot most of the weapons here were pretty old. Kind of makes me appreciate my magic even more.

Both parents started looking around for something. My horn lit up and my pistol levitated around looking for a target. “Where’s Silver Shoe?” They asked together. Everything around me came to a sudden halt.

I had lost track how many days had gone by, how many times I just wanted to stay on the ground, give up since then. I realized now that I had almost completely let go of what had happened. “She didn’t make it back with me,” I found myself saying softly. Silver Shoe’s mother stared at me and sat down in a chair. Her father exhaled slowly as if accepting what had happened. “Showering Stones is still alive.” They both looked at me surprised. A few blocks behind me, a loud explosion went off making a building topple down onto a street. I looked at the smoke, relieved to see it wasn’t the building Rusty was stationed at. “I’ll fill you both in later.”

“You’re right, we’ve got bastards to kill, come on!”

I admired Silver Shoe’s father’s enthusiasm. We galloped into the driveway and I slid under my glider. It took less than a couple of seconds to get everything started back up. I backed away from the house then galloped off to where my house was supposed to be. The walkie-talkie went off a few times alerting me to the group’s location. Everyone was in position. Sadly there was no sign of Daring yet, which was starting to upset me. We needed more back up because what we were doing just wasn’t enough.

It took me a couple minutes to find my way around the streets back to my old house. Once I found it I came to a light trot before stopping completely in front of the garage. The front door was bucked in. My horn lit up and rolled the garage up a little while I unstrapped myself from my glider. I rolled under the garage, letting it fall back into place just before coming face to face with my beast … that I realized wasn’t as much of a beast as I used to think it was. “Good to see you again,” I called out quietly to the machine as I trotted up the stairs.

Gently nudging the door open, I was greeted to the sound of gunfire going off in both directions of my house. Taking a slight hoof step forward, I looked at the living room just in time to catch my mother popping up from behind the couch with a revolver in her mouth. My pistol levitated up and a chunk of wall blasted apart right next to me. I stumbled into the bathroom startled. My mother came back up and pulled the trigger. The gun clicked twice. She dove back down while the Reaper fired a shotgun round at the couch tearing part of the furniture off. I got back up off the tile floor galloping around the corner aiming my gun at the fridge. The Reaper jumped up at me, taking me down against the table just before it collapse under our combined weight. My back hoof bucked the son of bitch in his face. Wrapping a hoof around one of the broken table legs I swung it back into the stallion’s face.

He yelled out in pain while I bucked him away from me. My mother jumped back up and unloaded the entire revolver into his chest. “Thanks,” I managed to say between pants. Another reaper came galloping into the room from the staircase. He pounced at me forcing his hooves down on my neck. In the panic to get her revolver reloaded my mother dropped the gun. I put my back hooves against the Reapers stomach and rolled him back into a window making it shatter while he went into it.

Three more reapers came in guns blazing only giving me enough time to levitate up the broken table top as a terrible barricade. A pony wielding a shotgun shot part of the table off. My mother came back up firing off two rounds into the chest of that very same pony. I galloped over to her, jumping over the couch while the table top exploded into chunks. A heavy lifting Reaper reloaded an RPG aiming straight for us. I ducked my head down with my mother.

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

We both froze for a second before looking at each other. I carefully lifted my head up to the sight of smoke rising out of a pony’s pistol. The mare under a pith helmet pushed it up and put the gun back in her holster. “Sorry little buddy, I didn’t mean to get trigger happy on you.” Daring rolled her eyes at the dead Reapers while having a look around. She scoffed. “Where do you need me?”

My mother looked up and then turned her attention to me. She nudged me and, not so subtly, told me to never keep a mare waiting. I silently wished she would shut up. I missed this back and forth with my mother … huh, never thought I’d say that. Jumping back over the couch I approached Daring and just gave her a big hug. “Thank Celestia you’re a badass.”

Daring Adventure pushed me back. “Whoa there, just because I saved your flank again doesn’t mean I’m forgiving you for what you said about my not-so-family family.” I chuckled with agreement. Daring reached inside of her saddle bags, dropping some rolled up papers down that had been inside. She mentioned that she knew I liked to read interesting things. I read the title on the papers. Alicorn Sphere Schematics. I looked at Daring. She gave me a half smile. “Now where do you need me?”

I was almost speechless at the sight of what she was giving me. This could be given to a pony that could actually get this shit done! Some pony could have found a cure by reverse engineering that machine. Now there’s no need to track it down. “Alright, take to the skies and keep any Reaper backup out of here and away from the outside wall. Think you can manage that?”

“Bring it!” She flapped her wings and jetted out the front door leaving a greyscale trail behind her.

My mother trotted up to me with her jaw dropped. She asked me who that was. I responded with, “The most amazing mare I have ever met.” My mother had a look on her face. I mean a look. Ponies would know what look I was talking about if they saw it. That look. “I’ve got a team to lead. Board up the windows and if a stallion with a rifle cutie mark shows up, hide.” She slowly nodded sending her horn aglow. Several planks of wood floated out of the garage followed by a trail of nails.

My mother put her hoof down on my shoulder with a pained expression. “I’m sorry.” I took a step back. What was she apologizing for? “The night you left, Runner. I let the police chief into your hideout. I made a deal with him that would keep yours and Silver Shoe’s sentence down to a minimum.” All I could do was back up. How could she do that to me? To us? “I had to do what I thought was best,” I put my hoof up. I shook my head and just let it go. This was the mare that brought me into this world and it was about time I started treating her with the respect she deserved. “There are a lot of cops being held in the armory. Be careful.”

I galloped back into my garage with the schematics in my mouth. All I have to do now is survive this gunfight, get back to Ponyville and find a scientist that can use this for good. Grabbing a few rags from on top of the counter I wrapped them around the schematics before putting them down inside of my saddle bags. Can’t risk these things getting shot up … you know what on second thought. I put them down inside of my Mustang’s trunk. Something rolled around in my bags. Taking a quick peak inside of the ammo portion of the bag I saw three grenades sitting inside. Thanks Daring. “I’m coming back for that,” I spoke to my Mustang. Using my magic to lift the door open, I slid underneath the garage letting it fall back in place behind me.

Three Reapers came running around the corner. They looked right at me while I pulled the pin from a grenade with my magic. Within the blink of an eye I tossed it over to them. “Catch!”

KA-BOOM!

I looked away not paying the slightest attention to the three Reapers. Sliding underneath the Integra I used my magic to strap me to it before heading off down the street. My hoof gave the gas pedal a kick and then the gear shifter. Once I was in second, I flew up into the air lighting up my horn. Several buildings became transparent. I dove down towards one of the streets they were running towards with my pistol raised up. Then, without mercy, unloaded the clip at them while they ran out into the streets. Each one fell down with wounds. I had just enough time to catch a glimpse of District ponies running out from a nearby alleyway with a couple wooden planks and lead pipes.

The building a street away from me exploded at the base making the entire structure topple to the ground like a domino. I glanced at my wing speedometer clocking in at ninety wing power. Too fast to stop or bank into a sharp turn. My hoof pushed the gas pedal back as a gust of wind blasted my mane around. I galloped along the side of the collapsing building while randomly firing off rounds at the Reapers scrambling on rooftops. As I got to the end of the structure I pushed off the brick and soared down the street listening to shattering windows behind me. Clouds of dust rose up in the buildings wake while I banked around another turn, reloading my pistols as fast as I could.

A sharp burning pain zoomed past my ear. My fore hoof went straight up to my ear. I went to take a look at what had hit me, but instead found a sample of my blood. Several pegasi flew down towards me open firing on anything they could get their sights on. My walkie-talkie crackled a little. “Runner,” it was Not Important, “in front of you!” I snapped my head forward and saw that exact mare flying towards me.

OH CRAP!

She had the same look on her face as she bucked the side of a building using the moment to flip herself upside down.

Time felt as if it had begun crawling to a standstill as he flew straight for one another. Not Important lifted up just enough so that when we reached each other, the tops of our gliders scrapped against each other sending sparks flying everywhere. As we pulled away from one another I saw her levitate a gun up and somehow take down each pegasi with one shot each. Time felt like it returned to normal as I pulled away.

Once I put a blocks distance between me and Not Important, I let out a breath that I didn’t know I had been holding. I bet life is never dull living with her.

Sheriff and Deputy were down below taking out as many Reapers as their guns would allow them to. We still needed more. Now that Daring was here we should have been seeing more ponies helping us out. That’s if they can get inside … damn it. I didn’t think about that until now.

A pegasus Reaper came diving toward me. My horn lit up and I threw a grenade out of saddle bags. Without so much has slowing down, the reaper pony caught it in his hooves while I flew off not once looking at the explosion left behind. I levitated my second pistol out and started unloading clip after clip at the dozens of reapers occupying the streets. With my horn glowing even brighter I made a few more buildings transparent. The surrounding area was clear. I let out a low sigh as I landed on a street that gave me a clear view of the wall.

There weren’t any more ponies scaling it. In fact it had been a while since I saw any pegasi trying to put some bombs on the wall. A Reaper came running up from a nearby building with a pipe in their levitation field. I fired two crippling rounds at his legs, exhaling slowly. A walkie-talkie fell out of his bags and it gave out a crackle.

“Hey, boss. I’m bringing down the doors.”

The device cut out after a second then quit working all together. I looked over at the giant doors that had remained shut for an unimaginable amount of time. With a low exhale I focused a little more. Sparks began twinkling around my horn as the entire wall surrounding District Twelve became transparent. I felt my heart sink down to the deepest depths it could find. I couldn’t breathe. Sticky bombs were inside every single pipe, and it wasn’t just a couple of them. It was like every other hoof step had a series of bombs clustered near it. Hundreds upon hundreds of red lights blinked around the interior making me lose focus. After a moment of being awestruck I heard something explode. The doors that were supposed to remain shut forever, came collapsing down in a fiery bombastic eruption.

Without time to think of a plan, I took flight. It took me a matter of only a minute to hover over the front gates that had literally been blasted to tiny chunks. Large wagons covered with thick armor plating rolled into the District like a small army of thunder. They looked similar to the diagrams I had seen in Bolt Action’s office. I levitated over the walkie-talkie. “Sheriff, meet me at the building overlooking the doors.” I put the walkie-talkie up and dove down to the armory. With any luck the District police could hold these mobile armories off long enough for me to get a big gun.

I took a look down below spying several Reapers standing guard outside the armory. Only one thing I can do. I went in as quietly as I could, landing on top of the roof. Unstrapping myself from the glider, I slid out from underneath it going immediately over to the fire escape. Good thing this wasn’t a major heist, it was just a simple get-in-blow-the-doors-wide-open-with-an-RPG kind of thing.

My hoofs clattered against the metal steps until I came to a stop in front of a small window. The security system was turned off. I pressed my muzzle up against the glass until three Reapers came into view. They were keeping the other cops held in a jail cell.

I levitated up my two guns up, telekinetically smashing the window in with both barrels. Rolling into the building and across the ground I tried to focus on where I was aiming. Once I came to a stop my guns open fired at the three Reapers, but not before one of them locked us inside. They tried to run, but each one took a crippling shot through the neck by some miracle. With any luck that was all of them.

“GOT YOU!”

One of the Reapers got up, tackling me against the wall with an unbelievable amount of force. I bucked him in the face as he shoved me into the steel door keeping us all inside. His fore hoof found its ways into my neck keeping my head pinned to the metal.

The stallion grabbed a knife ready to gouge my eyes out. I telekinetically threw him into one of the support beams. Pulling the safety pin on one of my grenades I kicked it over to him. The stallion’s hood fell down. Revealing. A. Horn.

Oh no. Oh crap!

The grenade floated back to me. Trying to throw the grenade back with my own magic we stood our ground. It was an even telekinetic battle of strength. With my hooves forced, I jumped up smacking the grenade like a ball up to an open window above the locked door.

It hit the window ceil.

NO! Fall away. Fall away from us!

The Reaper looked at me. I looked at him. We started looking for places to hide while the stupid thing began to tip to our side. With a bit of luck on both our sides the grenade tipped over and fell out the window exploding on the other side. Once the Reaper knew we were safe, he got up. My horn lit up and I brought a rifle butt to his face, knocking him out cold. I galloped over to the steel bars keeping the cops in to find the chief staring at me. “You,” his eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you doing here you little runt. Siding with the enemy.” I looked over at him, but spotted something rather interesting. Keys.

They floated over to me and I put them in the chief’s hoof. “For the record, you never had me. You never had Silver Shoe.” I floated an RPG with several projectiles for it out from their resting places. These would do nicely. I loaded one into the RPG and aimed it right at the front door. “You guys might want to stand back,” I said softly. Pulling the trigger back with my hoof the projectile ejected out from the weapon striking the wall. Tearing it apart. Piece. By. Piece. Reapers lay dead on the other side.

It took me a couple minutes to climb back up the fire escape with the RPG in tow. Once I was on the roof I strapped myself to the Integra ready to deliver the RPG. I took back to the skies.

Reapers were starting to dwindle in numbers from the looks of it, but on the other hoof the mobile armories were ripping the cop force to pieces. I descended down to the roof top below to meet with Sheriff. “Brought you a little gift,” I spoke confidently while setting the weapon down in front of him. Sheriff picked it up and took a projectile from me. He aimed it right at one of the units. The projectile flew out from the weapon and blew the son of bitch clear off the face of Equestria. “Damn!” I set the rest of the projectiles down before taking off for the dense portion of the city.

Several pegasi flew straight for me once they saw me in the air. They each followed me giving me no other choice but to confront them head on. My guns levitated up, hungry for action. They clicked several times and nothing came out. I levitated out nothing but empty ammo boxes from my saddle bags. “Oh, shit.” I banked to the right and tried to get some distance between me and the pegasi. They were glued to me like cheese all over macaroni. Not Important was galloping on the ground towards us. I hit the coward pedal and dropped down to the street.

My hooves clip clopped against the ground as I shouted to Not Important. “I need to reload!” Not Important charged at me as I took back into the air.

I kept low enough to her that we managed to reload each other’s guns without having to stop. Time felt like it had slowed while I barrel rolled my guns so that Not Important could slid in more ammo to my bags. As I landed back on the street I could see Not Important killing the pegasi chasing after me. Time slowly began to feel like its normal pace again as we parted ways.

I came to a sliding stop near a reaper who had been killed by a grenade. This was turning into a bucking street fight the way things were going down. From where I was standing I could make out several fights to the death with lead pipes, wood planks, or some other form of makeshift weapon. Slowly letting out an exhale I looked up at the walls while the Reapers walkie-talkie went off.

“Bring down the wall in three. Two.”

I neighed. There was no way those walls were going to crumble. Ponies already tried bringing them down today and that turned out to be a failure. My eyes were locked on the wall.

“One.”

Explosions ripped the giant chunks of rock down with almost little to no effort whatsoever. Large chunks of debris came crashing down on top of Oak Tree’s apartment before the entire wall collapsed down on every building within a couple dozen hoof steps of it. The ground beneath my hooves shook like an earthquake. Smoke rose up all around what was formally known as District Twelve.

Burning Districts

Chapter Twenty: Burning Districts

Explosions.

Hellfire exploded out of the last bit of standing concrete before it was all gone. Everything was gone. That solid barrier of hard cold concrete was blasted apart like it was an eye sore that Celestia no longer wanted to see. Like the sun princess just woke up pissed one morning, fired her horn off and whatever spell fired hit something with her wrath at full fury.

Smoke rose up all around the area that had been a prison to me for most of my life. Now that I was seeing a full comparison between it and the outside world, I truly understand just how small my world was. Even if I added in the buildings that had been blown and crushed to bits from the quake it wouldn’t have made much of a different.

My old life, my old world, at this very moment ceased to exist. I was just a pony standing in the middle of pure violence that ponies over two hundred years ago had never experienced. There was no going back. There had been no going back the day the Alicorn Sphere went off. All of this was the result of that one day.

I started grinding my teeth together. The ringing in my ears made it impossible to hear, but I knew what was going on. Ponies were screaming. Everywhere. No pony was safe from this gang and no pony could even guess why they were doing it. In some ways this was a good thing. That wall needed to be taken down and now it has. Ponies in here can finally see the outside world. Even with the infected and occasional violence, Equestria is still a wonderful place to live! The only thing I can’t forgive is the senseless slaughter that Bolt Action’s gang has gone around causing.

“Bolt Action, sir, we’ve destroyed the wall and are ready for our next plan of attack.”

“Meet me on Apple Core Avenue.”

I shifted into first and started galloping that direction. You can’t hide from me you son of bitch. My horn lit up and a Reaper walkie-talkie followed me. Using a bit of force with my magic, I had my voice sent out to every Reaper in the area, specifically the leader. “This is Runner, Bolt Action. I’m warning you right now, I’m coming for you.” I tossed the walkie-talkie into a trashcan simultaneously shifting into second. Without even needing to think about it, I made a left then shifted into third.

Bolt Action was three blocks away.

My back hoof hit the gear shifter and I shifted into fourth. The entire glider slowly lifted off the ground, enough so that I was only a few inches from the ground, but low enough to do the only sane thing I could come up with. Apple Core Avenue was two blocks away and Bolt Action was looking right at me from near an apartment complex. My back hoof slammed on the brake just before I landed while down shifting back into first.

White smoke rose up from behind me while I stared at Bolt Action.

The streets were empty. Not a soul around aside from the two of us. The only connecting street was in the middle of us right in front of the apartment complex. My eyes went right to his glider. It wasn’t an unmarked one like Sombra’s. His glider was one that was only considered good because of its brand. It was just as disgusting as he was. My back hoof pushed the gas pedal down.

VEEEEEEEERRRRRRRREERRRRRRRRRR!

“Oh you must be joking,” Bolt Action mocked. “A game of chicken.”

VEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRERRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUU!

“Have it your way, Runner,” was the last thing the son of a bitch said to me before revving his own engine. It was a low hum. Out of my peripheral vision I could see the needle on the wing speedometer jumping up to sixty wing power.

We looked at one another and revved our engines again. A traffic light hung between both of us blinking red. Several flyers flew by while I felt the wind brush up against me. The light blinked red. My back hoof jammed the gas pedal down. Trash cans nearby jumped up rattling with the engines rev.

The light turned green.

I forced the Integra out of neutral, slamming down on the gas pedal simultaneously shifting into second. Pushing off the ground, I had the glider rise up into the air a little bit just before kicking the gear shifter into third. The wing speedometer reached seventy miles an hour by the time I put every ounce of my attention on Bolt Action. His glider was coming at me at its best speed, which wasn’t nearly as impressive as that stallion thought. I shifted into fourth with a scowl that could scare Sour Tooth.

Bolt Action slammed on the brakes and slid to a stop.

What that hell is he doing?

I looked to my right. An armored plated wagon came flying down the intersecting street. My hoof hit the gas only to pull me just far enough to get nicked in the fender. My vision blurred. I had no idea where I was going. With my hoof still pushing the gas pedal down I could have been going straight up for all I knew. Taking my hoof off the gas I straightened out just in time to see a window.

CRUNCH!

*** ***

AIR!

I opened my eyes taking in all the air I could pull inside my lungs. Next came a just as long exhale followed by a series of quick pants. Then the pain hit me like weighted gloves in a boxing match. AGH!

Surrounding me was a pink bubble that I touched once only to get pushed back with magic. Protection spell. I looked up at the stallion using two metal wings as a hoof rest. My eyes carefully traced the room. Behind me, part of the apartment complex had caved in. The Integra wasn’t in the room, must have fallen out after I crashed. Agh. I snapped my neck to the side feeling my entire spine CRACK!

Last thing I remember was a fully armored wagon trying to ram me into the wall followed by some gibberish that I couldn’t understand before blacking out. Sitting in front of me in a snake skin jacket reading a War Never Changes: Fallout Edition comic was the Celestia damned worm responsible for all my fury right now. “You had an armored wagon waiting for me on that street, that’s like going into a race with illegal mods,” I growled. Bolt Action flipped to the comic’s next page. Outside the window a building came crashing down, however I couldn’t hear anything. From the glow on my captor’s horn I figured he used a silencer spell on the room to keep all unwanted noise out.

Bolt Action scoffed. “Leaving that threat message was your mistake. And what did you expect, a fair fight?” My teeth didn’t grind together, but at this point they would have already been moving against one another. I was beyond mad, beyond anger. I was furious. “You know my many great grandfather used to say that science is progress. I couldn’t agree more.” My hoof felt around for my saddle bags. When I didn’t find them I looked back at Bolt Action, finding he had my saddle bags sitting under the broken Integra wings. “See, your friend Silver Shoe took something of mine.” I shrugged. Yeah, that something was in my saddle bags. What of it? “That map she took,” Bolt Action paused.

“You did all of this for a damn map!”

My chest puffed in and out several times while my captor closed his comic. His hoof slithered down to my saddle bags before sliding it inside. “This isn’t just any map, you see my many great grandfather, Autumnal Den, is the creator of the Alicorn Sphere and had several locations marked on a map in case something went wrong.” My jaw dropped. “The day you and Silver Shoe showed up was the day I brought that map back. You both stole it from me and I have spent every waking moment tracking you down.” I had no idea. At any moment since I left that town I could have been followed and wouldn’t have known it. My hoof prints were all over this side of Equestria. The train heist. The casino heist. The Harbor city assassination. “Then I remembered that you two were both from District Twelve and what better way to find you then to attack this place and have you come to me.”

I slammed my hoof against the bubble only to have it bounce back like a fish hitting the edge of its bowl. This guy was pushing my anger to heights I had yet to experience and was not prepared for what lay ahead of him if he didn’t kill me now. Bolt Action snickered. “You surprised me though, I didn’t think you would come in charging like you did. Let me tell you a little secret; not very impressive. See you and I are from two very different worlds,” he paused. A loud thud from the floor above made the ceiling rumble.

“Not so different now.” I intoned.

Bolt Action scoffed turning to the window. “I’ve met ponies with a lot more brains than you.” Fair enough. Never claimed to be a badass genius pony with a mean streak that could make Celestia cringe, won’t ever claim that cause I know it wouldn’t be true. My back leg moved until I felt my pistol in its holster. “I’m going to give you a chance to live,” he spoke softly. “Silver Shoe took my map, not you. Tell me where the map is and I’ll let you go, however, Silver Shoe’s bloodline will feel my vengeance.”

I took in a long breath and exhaled slowly. My eyes drifted down to my saddle bags. Bolt Action traced my glance to my bags then set them down on one of the wings. “Top left pocket. It’s rolled up.” He cracked a smile at me while he opened my bag up. His hoof reached inside retrieving the map of Equestria. All I could do was wait for him to turn back on his word and shoot me. “Leave Showering Stone’s parents alone.”

Bolt Action’s eyes were practically sparkling at what he saw. It was like he was Daring Doo setting eyes on the sapphire statue for the first time. His greedy hooves traced the edges of the paper. “This protection spell says your deal is full of shit,” I muttered coldly to him, “just leave Showering Stones parents alone. Please.” His eyes carefully met mine.

He was trying to read me, get inside my head, but I was stone. His poker face was good and sadly I couldn’t see what he was thinking. Something was going on in his head though, I knew that for a fact. “You said I didn’t fight fairly, but I can be a generous stallion on occasion. Don’t push your luck any further than you already have.” His hoof traced the map’s surface. Plaster mixed with some dust came floating down around us while something on the room above hit the ground. Must have knocked some things loose in the crash.

Bolt Action turned and opened the door with his magic. There was brief pause before he turned his attention back to me. I levitated my pistol up, unloading the clip at him. Every bullet bounced around like a ping pong ball trying to escape a fish bowl. Several bullets struck my hooves and stomach causing me to collapse, hitting the bottom of the bubble. “You just pushed your luck too far,” he said while levitating out a submachine gun. I gave him the nastiest scowl my face would allow me to give. Bolt Action scoffed, “You actually thought I was going to fight fair.” The protection spell started to shrink and from the look in his eyes he intended to crush me inside. Another loud thud came from above us. We both slowly looked up.

A team of five ponies with full body armor smashed through pony-made holes in the ceiling making it rain plaster and sawdust. A sixth member landed on the fire escape wearing nothing but a fancy suit. Their assault carbines pierced the air with bullets aimed at Bolt Action just before he exploded in a glorious show of magic. All five ponies aimed their guns at the hallway as bullets ripped through the wood. Their horns lit up and so did mine. Everything became transparent allowing me to see Bolt Action galloping down the stairs. Obviously he can’t teleport far.

While the full armored ponies galloped after Bolt Action, the sixth one approached me while putting on a pair of shades before greeting me. “Runner, let’s get you out of there.” My jaw dropped. The unicorn mare pulled out a bottle of pure purple liquid then chugged some down. She breathed out fire that melted the shrinking protection spell like it was thin ice. I dropped to the ground with a thud. The mare let out a cough and some green smoke. “Dragon magic, tastes as good as it burns.” She blew a smoke ring.

I was awestruck, flabbergasted, every sense of the word speechless. This mare wasn’t just any mare. I knew who it was! “Who the hell are you,” was the only sane thing I could say that wouldn’t turn out to be gibberish. Sadly, it contradicted what I already knew.

The mare pulled her shades down just enough so that I could see her brilliant gamboge colored eyes. “M-me? Oh, I’m not important.” She gave me a sly smile before pushing her shades back against her eyes. That was definitely Not Important. Celestia, I love her name. Best way to meet some pony is tell them you’re not important. She reached into her suit jacket retrieving a roll of bandage rags. I took it from her, immediately tearing off scraps of rags to apply them on every bullet wound that I had self-inflicted.

This time the rags burned making my body cringe with pain. I looked out the window just in time to see another building topple down. My heart sank. That was the building I told Rusty to snipe from. “What’s with the spy getup?” The sly smile that had been on Not Important’s face turned into a frown. It was followed by a long sigh. “You actually look like you’ve done this before.”

We walked out onto the fire escape staring at the destruction that came with Bolt Action’s tantrum. There were still hordes of Reapers trying to escape the bombardment of cops coming from outside the district. If Not Important and her little band of five unicorns was anything to go off of they were probably using a well devised plan. “You know the reason why I can pull this off?” Not Important chimed to me. I hummed with curiosity. “Back in my home country I was training to become a slick government agent in clandestine operations. I made one bad judgement call with a pony and a murder was pinned on me.” Her voice chocked a little. I looked at her and could see she was reliving some form of trauma. “You could spend your entire life working for something then have it all taken away by one murder you didn’t commit.” I gave her a pat on the shoulder. She just shrugged me off.

“This might be the last time you ever see me, so you might want to get those plans to a draconequus named Discord. He’ll know what to do with them.” Not Important pulled out a bottle of unlabeled liquid that looked eerily similar to dragon magic. She took a drink and hummed. “Don’t ask how I know. I have my connections.” I stuck out my hoof offering her a hoof shake. With mutual respect, we shook, staring out at the open destruction below.

Damn, I wish there was something I could do for her. I mean she saved my life after all. “For the record, you would have made one slick agent,” I told her matter-of-factly. Not Important smiled and walked back into the room. I glanced at an overturned wagon to see Oceans being bombarded by dozens of bullets. My saddle bags landed on me with three bags of bits that didn’t belong to me. I looked at where the unofficial slick agent should have been. She was gone.

My horn lit up, wrapping my entire body with a healthy blue glow that slowly levitated me over the fire escape. Gunfire was spread out on the streets below forcing me shield myself. I landed down on the ground fast, immediately taking cover behind an overturned armed wagon. Oceans stood up, fired, and then hid back down behind a wagon. “Runner, these Reapers are starting to rally together to pin ponies down.” I took a peak around the corner. There was a machine gun mounted on top of the wagon, however the wagon’s front wheels were screwed up. My gaze went up to the floor I had smashed into after my game of chicken. The entire glider was still there minus the wings.

Engine. Machine gun. Engine. Machine gun.

Sweet Celestia, I have an idea!

I lit up my horn faster than Celestia raises the sunlight and tipped the mobile armory back onto its wheels. My magic then ripped the remaining Integra out of the apartment complex. Dinging down deep into my magic reserves my horn began to glow even brighter while I rose a shield up around my small section of street. Oceans managed to inch himself inside the spell before it was fully created. “Oceans, get ready to crack some skulls!” I connected the wagon to my broken glider just before using the easy-lift feature, which had somehow remained functional through everything I put it through, to raise the unit off its skewed front wheels.

Loud pounding sounds drew my attention to the protection spell. Each bullet sent a large crack spider webbing around the entire structure. I charged straight at the shield, reaching the edge just as the entire thing came crashing down. Oceans let the machine gun spit hundreds of bullets out at the few dozen Reapers trying to take us out. Each Reaper was fed a plethora of bullets, tearing them apart, practically picking their bodies clean of the tired-ass red coats their group was supposed to wear.

The bullets being fired exploded so loudly I couldn’t hear my own hooves clip clopping against the ground or even the screams and shouts of Reapers trying to outrun our assault. Just when I thought we were home free a loud projectile was fired at us from above. I telekinetically brought up my protection spell. Instead, a quarter shield was created, taking most of the forceful shock for us. The explosion sent the unit on one wheel, nearly tipping me over with it. Oceans held onto the gun for dear life letting bullets fire randomly through the air. Slamming the unit against a wall in our next turn, I managed to tip the son of bitch back on two wheels.

“How you doing up there,” I called out as loud as I could to Oceans.

“Never better!”

I chuckled as I saw Silver Shoe’s former home rise in the distance. My hooves put in a hundred ten percent while Oceans turned the machine gun back to the Reapers trying to follow us. Just as I pulled up to Silver Shoe’s street, Oceans fell off the unit. I came to a sliding stop, unlatched myself from the glider and galloped over to him. Nudging his body over, I could see two bullet wounds in his chest. “No. No. Damn it. NO!” The reaper that fed the bullets into him looked straight into my eyes then started cowering back. I floated up my pistol and fed my last two bullets into his head. “That’s for my crew member you swine,” I muttered between slow pants. “Thanks for everything Eleven Oceans,” I’ll miss that charismatic voice.

Several cops ran past me looking for other Reapers trying to hide out somewhere. I pushed past a few of them, aiming my sights at Silver Shoe’s house. After several seconds of walking, I sprang into a gallop heading for the back door. I pushed the backdoor open.

Pink glows slowly turned red while a unicorn stallion wearing a snake skin jacket swallowed Silver Shoe’s father up in his deadly protection spell. Bolt Action turned his gaze to me, he gave me an evil grin that told me to stay far away from him. His horn glowed even brighter before he exploded into a lightshow of magic. I put him into a chest and buried it under a house. My hooves beat against the deadly sphere while it slowly started to shrink. Behind the protection-spell-turned-killer-spell was Silver Shoe’s mother lying on the ground with a shotgun wound in her back.

I swung my hooves even harder.

My horn lit up as I desperately tried firing my gun at the damn thing. No! This isn’t fair! Too many ponies have died today!

My hooves slammed against the sphere only to have it pulse, telekinetically throwing me back into the wall. A few pictures fell down on top of me. I knocked them away as I stood back up. “Runner,” Silver Shoe’s father spoke in the softest voice I had ever heard from him, “please stop. Listen.” I slowly nodded while he put his four hooves against the shrinking sphere to keep it at bay. “I need you to give Showering Stones a message, so listen up. Tell her that she’s my little devil foal and that we love her no matter what.” I checked my bag for ammunition, but I found nothing. My heart pounded with melancholy. Nothing I did was going to save him. I couldn’t do anything. “Runner, take that picture right there. You’ll need it more than we will. Now please, go.” I put my hooves down on a picture of Silver Shoe taken at a cookout. Slowly lifting my head back up, I was pointed to the door. Letting out a defeated sigh, I walked out and stopped.

“She’s got a wonderful family now,” I said with a smile. My eyes caught a glimpse of a smile on the stallions face before I shut the door.

*** ***

During the next couple of minutes I filled my mother in on what had happened. Everything from the moment I left the District all the way to this moment in time. She didn’t wrap me in her hooves and tell me everything would be okay, she just stared at me not knowing who I was.

I stared back at her from the open front door with my horn lit up. Every board ripped from its position then clunked against the ground with nails raining down on top. All I did was turn around and face the cops chasing after a few leftover Reapers. “Would you look at that,” my mother said, “the cops are actually helping us.” There was a grin on her face.

Yeah. I guess they are.

Sheriff walked up with a limping Deputy right behind him. The injured stallion leaned against a small wall and slid down to the ground. “I’m afraid Daring Adventure took off on us after the fighting was over,” the experienced gun slinger said softly, “still no word from Rusty or Not Important.” I knew what happened to Not Important. She’s gone. Up and vanished. Rusty … I fear the worst.

From off down the street I could hear two motorscooters revving their engines. I took a quick peak behind Sheriff as two ponies, one with a snake skin jacket and the other without one, pointed submachine guns straight at us. Sheriff turned around and dove for Deputy, making him keep his head low.

Bullets exploded at us as I sprawled to the ground. My mother fell back against the wall knocking some plants over. Ringing filled my ears while I crawled over to my only remaining blood related family member. I went to put my hoof on her pulse and stopped at the sight of several bullet holes going through her chest and neck.

My heart stopped beating. I looked right at the motorscooters and just lay there helplessly while He got away.

Faith

Chapter Twenty One: Faith

Funerals.

Ponies live. Ponies die. Some live their lives to the fullest with no regrets. They die at peace. Some live their lives crawling, clawing for their dreams with never once reaching satisfaction. Ponies that die before they reach their dreams and goals have been beaten to the ground. Their legs give out on them, crushed by the pressure of every day challenges that seem too difficult to overcome.

The ponies you know, love with all your hearts, can die before they have the chance to make peace with you. Sometimes there are things left unsaid. Every day you will wish to have said that one last sentence to them. That one last word. Tell them you love them. Tell them everything will be alright. Sometimes you won’t ever get that chance. There will be times where you will regret never being there for the ones you loved even when the ones you love have stabbed you in the back. Never turn your back on family even if they have.

Rusty wasn’t the best role model, in fact he was never a pony I looked up to in any way shape or form. The way he does business isn’t right. Oceans and War were good company and great thieves. In fact they were the best thieves I have ever seen second only to Han. However, despite everything they did to me I won’t overlook that they helped me figure out where I don’t want to go in life. From now on I’m going to surround myself with the ones I love. Surround myself in strength. I’ve only known Glider a short amount of time, but she’s a great sister. In fact I’ll go as far as to say she’s the older sister I never had. Candle Light … she’s wonderful. Compassionate. Loving. Everything my mother wasn’t.

My mother always slapped reality in my face. If something seemed impossible, she would say so then discourage me from ever accomplishing it. She said I would never get that Mustang going; while my dad put every bit of confidence he had in my ability to bring it back to life.

BONG! BONG! BONG!

I blinked my eyes, carefully looking up at the ruined building behind the pony dressed in fine egg white robes with symbols tracing back to the Royal Pony Sisters symbol. Sitting next to me amongst the hundreds of other ponies, smoking a cigar, was Sheriff with a quiet Chest Nut. They filled me in on what happened with Rusty. He never made it off the rooftop. “Ladies and gentle colts, fillies and colts, District and Non-District residents. It is with a heavy heart that I must confirm the deaths of several hundred ponies,” the priest announced over a podium. I knew several of the ponies on that list. All of them were innocent aside from my former team. They had demons to deal with and lots of them. Especially Rusty, for whatever reason he seemed to just throw himself into his work. To my knowledge he never had a mare for his hooves. In all honesty, I wouldn’t have mind sticking with Daring as a partner.

I hadn’t seen a hint of that adventurous mare anywhere since earlier this afternoon. “Eleven Oceans,” the finely dressed priest called out. My mother’s name along with Silver Shoe’s parents were called out.

Revenge. At some point in every pony’s life they have a choice whether or not to get back at the pony that caused them suffering. Bolt Action didn’t just hurt me, he hurt and tore apart the lives of all the innocent ponies in this district. My mother always fought with me over such stupid little details. She was still my mother though and I would never wish anything bad on her. That silver tongued psychotic son of bitch put innocent ponies in this prison-turned-grave. “Rest in peace mom, I won’t ever let a pony hurt my family again,” I found myself saying softly. Revenge is said to be a dish best served cold, well, I disagree. Revenge is best served with warm blood.

A hoof found its way around my shoulder. I jumped in shock, taking a look at Chest Nut. “I’m sorry for your loss,” he whispered. Sheriff took the cigar out of his mouth blowing smoke.

“So am I,” I said softly.

When I left District Twelve, I was practically, if not, a foal because of the way I acted, when the wall was blown down a piece of me went with it. I’m not the same pony I was when I left with Silver Shoe. After having the old part of my life torn down to be left in ruins, I feel like a stallion. No longer a foal. “Rusty Horseshoe,” I heard the priest call out. I looked over at the crowd and saw a mare dressed in a tan suit jacket with large black buttons wiping tears from her eyes. She got up, walking away the second Rusty’s name was called.

I shrugged Chest Nut’s hoof off. I spared them one last look. “Thanks for helping me out guys, it means a lot. Really. Take from this what you will, but if I ever get into trouble I’ll come looking for you.” Sheriff gave me a hoof shake saying that they would be there for me anytime along with advising me to take care of myself. Just before I started walking, Chest Nut mentioned we were friends now. I couldn’t help but smile at that.

My hooves carried me out the rows of chairs straight towards the mare shaking her short cut mane. Whoever she was, she looked fantastic. I mean, I try to stay level headed around mares, but geez this mare was something. Slowly approaching her, I spoke up, “Who’d you lose in the raid?” I asked her full of curiosity.

Her eyes looked up from the ground and she tried giving me a half smile. It didn’t work. We both knew a pony in our lives had been taken with no way of doing anything about it. I introduced myself. “Summer Breeze,” the mare cooed warmly while shaking my hoof. We kept walking down the street. “I’m Rusty Horseshoe’s ex-marefriend.” My jaw dropped slowly. Without even thinking I looked down at her suit jacket’s collar noticing something shining on it. Attached to her collar was a shiny badge.

Oh I knew who this was now. Old Runner wasn’t a gambling stallion, the new one is and I’d put every last bit down on the chance that this was that mare. Crazy thing is I run into a lot of strange or amazing ponies. Not once had I ever given this mare a thought. “Let me guess, jumped out the second story on you?” We both cracked up at that.

“Well, he did say he wasn’t the romantic type,” she mused to me. Because jumping out of hotel is the best way to strengthen any relationship! “And let me guess, you’re one of his so called friends.” Summer eyed me carefully making me feel a bit uncomfortable.

“I’ll take your word for it.” Since Bolt Action brought down that wall I have been feeling all kinds of relief. It’s like all of my stress, anxiety and all around bitch-ass mood just went poof. “You could say that, I just had his number in case shit hit the fan,” and it did. Several times over. Said shit even killed a stallion or two. “If you don’t mind me asking, what the hell happened between you two?”

There was a pause.

Summer Breeze chuckled unenthusiastically. Without any warning she just stopped as if some thought had punched her in the face. My light trot came to a halt so I could meet her gaze. “I was on the verge of discovering the identity of a stallion that robbed a bank a few days prior to meeting up with him in Manehattan,” she said softly while beginning to trot again. I followed her and hummed. “The night we met up I told him about it, he said he was going to have a quick shower and I never saw him again,” her tone turned sour. I gave her a pat on the back thinking about how much I wouldn’t change for a mare.

I mean. If I did change. And that’s a big if. It would have to be for a very special mare.

“You know, Runner the sad thing is if he had just been honest with me, I would have quit my job for him. I loved him that much and would have married him without hesitation.” I took a quick glance into her eyes, what I saw was hurt, pain, and betrayal.

We arrived at my house and I leaned against the only remaining portion of the stone wall surrounding my mother’s former flowerbed. Summer Breeze was going through a lot of different memories while we stood around just taking in the sight of the former District population getting acquainted with their new environment. Part of me wanted to see how far I could get with a mare, telling her it was my team that helped save the day, but another part of me said that Not Important would not like that since her team saved my flank. “Is there any advice you could give me about getting a mares attention,” I asked trying to sound nonchalant.

I will admit this, Rusty had one beautiful mare. In all honesty I’m a little sad things didn’t work out between them. “Just be honest with her” she paused, “that’s all I ever wanted and I never got it.” For whatever reason she looked like she wasn’t heartbroken anymore. Focused. She looked focused. “If that doesn’t work then pour yourself into your work. That’s what I did,” she cooed. I turned my attention back to her badge noticing it was highly customized as far as badges went.

That’s when it hit me. Rusty never had a mare with him.

“Hey, before you go, you should know Rusty wanted to marry you,” I found myself saying calmingly. Summer looked at me with a smile on her face. Her head turned back to the gravesite. And that put something to rest, something that from the sound of our conversation had never been settled between Rusty Horseshoe and Summer Breeze. “See you around Summer,” I said stretching out my hoof.

We shook hooves, “Runner a little advice. Don’t get mixed up in crime. I keep my eye on all of Rusty’s friends,” she winked at me before walking away. I felt uncomfortable again. Very, very, uncomfortable.

OOOOH, look my Mustang!

I popped open my garage practically letting the metal shutters come falling down. One of the shutters collapsed swinging side to side. Good thing I have a place to go now. Actually, now that I think about it looks like I have nothing tying me down to this place anymore aside from … revenge. Just get these schematics to Discord. Let him deal with this and everything will be fine.

Telekinetically floating over a wagon, I carefully examined it noting it would make the trip back to Ponyville without the use of a glider. Freaking. Bolt. Action. Tears up Candle Light’s glider and leaves me near stranded. The nerve of some ponies. Positioning the wagon in front of my garage I turn faced the Mustang only to feel my heart beat slower. With the right light shining on it I could see everything that had been done to it. The blocks that had formally been rusted over had been replaced with new metal, which was something I hadn’t done.

My curiosity led me to the pedals, I put my hoof down on them, slowly pushing them without any resistance. Taking a look at the tech inside there wasn’t much done to it, but it was cleaned off to look more like a vintage glider. The once crappy glider that I had been working on was now seventy five percent finished without me having done anything since it was twenty five percent done. I felt around for stuff in the glove box and found a note.

Runner, I know this isn’t the first time we have fought over what was best for you. You’ve just grown up so much in front of me that I wanted to hold on just a little longer. The night you left something broke in me and every day you were gone I was in here working on this glider for you. I know it can’t fix the countless times we fought over such stupid details, but I hope it gets you where you’re going. Proud of you, always. Love you no matter what.

I re-read that note over and over again. This told me a lot about my old self. The pony that was running around pulling jobs with Silver Shoe was a damn foal who disrespected his, what was then, remaining blood related family. My hooves put the note back inside of the glove box. I slowly turned my head to the open door leading to the living room.

Trotting inside I looked around at the devastation we caused with the Reapers. I smiled. Moving into the kitchen I found the picture of my parents and me. That was one hell of a fond memory, I wasn’t about to let it go. I took the picture down and set it on the counter next to a double barrel shotgun. There was another note. A little cliché now that I think about it.

Runner, by the time you read this message Sheriff should have already told you I left. Listen, I have a lot of thinking to do, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see me again. You and I are friends after the things we did. We are like thunder and lightning when we team up and even I know that Daring Doo never turned down a good partner when she absolutely needed one. Also, I saw what went down in the front yard. I hope this helps you give what’s coming to Bolt Action. You give what he gave; I know he can’t run and he can’t hide from you. Forever a reliable friend, Daring Adventure.

Thank you, Daring. I may have to call on you one more time if I go through with what I’m thinking is a better plan now. Slowly taking in a breath, I lit up my horn, levitating up both the picture and shotgun. A bottle of dull tasting beer floated out of the fridge. The last one my mom had in the house. I popped the cap off and chugged the whole thing. Its dull bland taste slid down my throat like sewage water in a pipe, but it was still somehow the best drink I had ever had in this place.

*** ***

The hours I spent walking felt like they had been dragging on like waiting for chunky milk to fall out of a carton. After being patient with only a few stops to grab some water, I had made it to Ponyville. My eyes lit up when I passed Sweet Apple Acres, which I knew right then that this would be my new glider testing spot. Best spot to drag race, no connecting roads and it’s roughly a quarter mile from the sign to the first street in Ponyville, using the barn as a startling line.

My hooves clip clopped along the pavement while I passed Sugar Cube Corner with my Mustang inside the wagon being towed behind me. I don’t have the money to fix it. I do have the money to buy a working glider though. That settles it. My ass needs to get itself to some street races so I can earn cash to fix this beast. I added that to my to-do list.

That being said I need to have a little talk with a stallion.

My eyes drifted over to the corner house with an open garage. Even from where I was standing that sunset orange Supra was sticking out like a sore hoof. From here it looked even more beautiful than Daring … I can’t believe that, but yet there it is, sitting in front of me only partly sticking out. I traveled over to it keeping my eyes locked on its sleek front bumper. Parking my wagon near the owner’s front lawn, I unstrapped myself before trotting up the driveway.

I knocked my hoof against one of the large tool boxes near the garage door. No pony answered. Once again, I gave it a knock. The room remained silent. There was an open sliding door to the kitchen so I gave out a low whistle. Nonchalantly looking around I took a few steps inside and slid underneath the Supra. My back went straight into the cushioned groove and I fell in love. Head over hooves in love with the way it felt. “Nnnnnverrr.” Moving my head side to side I pictured racing through the fresh mountain air near Canterlot. I jerked to the right, avoiding a wagon. Another racer pulls up to me giving me the eye as we start dragging down several miles of beautifully paved road. “Uuuuuuert. Nnnnnnere. Verruuuuuu.” My back hoof hit the gas pedal down.

“What are you doing?”

My heart exploded into a fire work display of butterflies racing to have a heart attack. I turned to ice praying that wasn’t who I thought it was. Please don’t let it be the owner, please don’t let it be the owner, please don’t let it be the owner. “I was just, ugh … you know fixing up this ride here. I mean … did you see how fast I was going on that off ramp? I have to fly this glider!” The owner just stared at me blankly. Static behind him caught my attention. It was a walkie-talkie.

“Officer O’Conner, we’ve got a report of a hijacking near Ponyville. Please be on the lookout.”

I felt encased in a frozen tundra. This was a cop. Every fiber of my being was screaming to just bolt for it, never look back and say ‘I don’t have any donuts pig.’ O’Conner hit a button on his device. “This is Officer O’Conner, I’ll be on the lookout, over.” He turned the volume down while putting his ocean blue eyes back on me.

Where were we again? Oh, right. The glider fantasy. “Were you just making glider noises,” he asked. My face started blushing, burning.

“Ah, no. Like I said you need to fly this glider!” I lost all confidence in my story while sliding out from underneath the glider. O’Conner chuckled with a nod.

I cleared my throat and pretended to ignore what just happened. Nothing happened. I was fixing his glider I swear on … Daring’s life. Okay, I was making glider noises. “Child at heart,” he questioned me with a laugh. I nodded with a sheepish smile. At some point every stallion realizes they’re still a foal when they’re building gliders. For the glider enthusiast it’s living a dream come true.

We shared a bit of silence before I finally broke it with a subtle change in conversation. “So, you think about the price for that glider yet … O’Conner,” I said while offering him a hoof.

His attention went to the picture of the Eclipse hanging on the wall. It was still beautiful. If that glider was a mare she would be mine. Speaking of mares, I should never say that in front of … yeah. “Yeah, I’m thinking three bags.”

I nodded slowly. That would take away half of what I have right now which means I’d still have more than enough to buy some parts for it.

“Sounds like a fair deal to me, oh I’m Runner by the way,” I said while O’Conner shook hooves with me.

Leaning against the Supra’s spoiler, O’Conner hummed with his eyes locked on something outside. There was a slight grin tugging at his muzzle, but he was fighting to keep it hidden. “Is that yours?” I gave him an overly confident smile of my own. I didn’t answer him though. “You’re gonna make me walk over there and find out?” I still didn’t answer. “You’re brave, Runner,” he spoke with a chuckle.

We trotted away from the Supra over to my stainless steel Mustang. If it wasn’t for some dust covering it I could have sworn it was going to shine like a whistle. O’Conner jumped up on the wagon, popping open the dusty hood. “It has an Applejack V8 with about five hundred horsepower.” I took a look inside letting out a low whistle when he actually said it out loud. It sounded powerful. I love powerful gliders. Although I’m starting to think I’m more of a tuner stallion.

O’Conner nodded with an interested look on his face. “Use the Eclipse enough times and you’ll make enough money to get this going. You do any racing?” I gave him an ‘it’s-complicated’ look. His response was too chuckle at me.

If you call galloping around a small track the size of a miniature donut racing, then yes. “Just some short drags here and there, nothing big. I’d like to get back into the racing scene with this though.” My hoof tapped the metal hood several times while I shot a beaming confident smile his way. Taking another good look at the Mustang, O’Conner started to do some thinking. He looked at his glider then at me.

With a slight pause, he went back over something. “Okay, new deal. It’ll be three bags and I’ll help you put in some wrench time.” I was taken aback. His eyes told me he was being serious. His words left me utterly speechless. Here I had a team of fliers back at home ready to help me out and here this Pegasi-import-loving-stallion is offering me another perspective into the world of customization.

I will always be amazed by how kind some ponies can be. There was no bullshit with this stallion. Everything about him just seemed genuine. “Yeah, deal!” I shook his hoof before strapping myself back to the wagon. “I’ll swing by in a few days to pick it up?” O’Conner gave me a wave before returning to his garage. I envy the work he gets to do on that Supra. Don’t be jealous Runner, appreciate the ride and flyer. You’ve got to give respect to earn respect.

Just as I started to back up a loud whistle caught my attention making my ear twitch. O’Conner galloped back over to me, “Hey, actually just swing by in an hour. I’ll have it ready then.” Again, I was taken aback. I gave him a nod then backed out and galloped off to my home.

*** ***

At long last my eyes rested on home. It might need a new coat of paint, some updating and all around good grooming that comes with owning a house, but it’s still home. I savored each step I took backing up towards the garage. In no time flat I was out of my harness looking out at my home. Ponyville. There’s just something about this place that makes me feel good. Even if I do have some upsetting news.

Carefully walking up the stairs I noticed the hoof rail was loose, probably due to Glider smacking me into it with that mean swing of hers. Using my muzzle to nudge the door open I slowly walked in looking around. “Hello, any pony home?” I called out to no pony in particular. No response. With a slight groan I naturally assumed that every pony was out doing some delivery.

Guess that means I’m on my own for now. Taking a seat at the table I peeked outside seeing the clouds beginning to darken even more than usual. Hoof steps caught my attention. Standing in the doorframe holding a Pegasus Breed in one hoof was a large muscular tan coated pony wearing a necklace of Princess Celestia chasing Princess Luna around in a circle. I have to reiterate how big this stallion was, I mean I could stand on my hoof tips suck in a deep breath, hold it and still be almost half his size. Just one look at his muscles and bald head made me visualize him giving one good flex to pop me like a tube of toothpaste! Did I mention he was bald?

This hulking stallion kept staring at me with his dark brown eyes. Shifting my eyes around the room I felt a little out of place not having any friends or family around. The stallion took a drink not once breaking eye contact with me. His voice was deep mixed together with a strong tone, “That glider was worth seven bags of bits.” I looked at him in confusion. Behind his hulking exterior was a small pony with a long brown mane. She was familiar.

Candle Light shoved her way around the stallion before taking a seat at the table. “Runner, I’d like you to meet my brother, Diesel Fuel.” My eyes went to Candle Light for a moment, but then returned to the stallion staring at me. Holy shit. “Are you okay?” It didn’t take her long to see something was troubling me. There was another conversation I had to have with Glider that wasn’t going to be much fun at all. This one, however, wasn’t as hard to bring up. I responded to her with a nod not looking away from Diesel Fuel’s gaze.

Something about him just screamed protection. He took a hoof step over to the table, sitting down right in front of me. “That yours?” I looked out the window noticing my Mustang had been left where ponies could see it. With my entire body on edge around him, I just nodded. “You planning on using that to pay for my sisters Integra?” My eyes squeezed shut at the realization that I would indeed have to pay that back.

“You know what, how about you send the bill to Bolt Action,” I teased at him immediately regretting it. Candle Light chuckled at that but still had a worried look on her face. There was an awkward silence.

Diesel Fuel grunted, which I assumed was a laugh, and took another drink. “Glider, what have you been doing with this foal?” That … was reasonable actually. I shook his hoof in agreement. It’s going to take some time getting used to being around this guy. Shit, almost get the feeling he’s trying to figure me out. Wait, wait. Did he just call me a foal? Oh for the love of Celestia please don’t tell me I’m a freaking child to them.

Busting open the backdoor, Glider gave a sarcastic laugh while managing to keep a solid straight face at him. “That’s real funny, and this ain’t no foal, believe me he’s been through some stuff. He’s one of us.” I felt a little embarrassed at hearing that. After all the stuff I went through I didn’t feel like I had earned a reputation. From the way she was talking she seemed to be keeping track of all the places I was getting into gunfights in. If my performance in the Frozen North was anything to go off of then she was right to keep an eye on how well my skills were developing.

Diesel Fuel hummed drinking from his Pegasus Breed. That hum didn’t sound very convinced. In fact if I had to guess he was the leader of the group. The more I thought about it, Vin didn’t seem like he was leader material either. Don’t get me wrong he’s a good guy, I would easily help him out again, but the way he acted during our first meeting seemed to be more of a second in command kind of guy. I should know that the best because I’m no leader. Sitting here in front of me, Diesel Fuel, gave off a sense of protection that I never felt before. Like if I was to go into a gunfight right now with this stallion backing me up, I would have no problem feeling I was in good hoofs. “Come on Runner,” Glider nudged me. “We’ve got things to discuss and gliders to find.”

Speaking of which. The clock was telling me it was time to go get my new glider. “Actually, that sounds perfect. I’ve got a guy bringing me some stuff.” Diesel Fuel looked surprised. “Yeah, I have a guy.” Glider burst out laughing at our reactions to one another. The leader of this team meeting a wannabe renegade that is letting his mouth run more than it should. I started chuckling at that.

“Let’s go before you make me bust a gut,” she said between laughs, pulling me out the door.

*** ***

That little stunt kept her laughing for several more blocks. It got to the point where she was having trouble breathing. Eventually she put a hoof on a wall to get the last of her laughing fit out of the way. The clouds above us began to looking increasingly meaner. “You made an impression on Diesel Fuel, that’s for use, ugh, I really hope he likes you. He usually doesn’t like any pony.” My smile turned right into a worried frown.

Once she turned her attention to me Glider noticed it and sighed. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to you.” Her wing pulled me close to her. It felt nice having an older sister to look up to. Her body was warm.

“Hey,” I managed to stutter out. Her eyes went from the open road to my eyes. “I’ve got some bad news you might want to sit down for.” That didn’t sit well with her. No pun intended. Glider sat on her haunches without a clue in the world. I tried to open my mouth, but I couldn’t. It was weird now. I mean really weird. So far I told her that Silver Shoe died, but now I have to tell her about her deceased parents. I’m the bearer of bad news for her. Why does that make me feel terrible?

We sat in silence for several minutes listening to the sound of thunder roll by. Even when a loud clap rolled by neither one of us jumped having become accustomed to it. “Glider, your parents are dead.” I managed to look into her eyes, but what I saw wasn’t Glider. Her body was there, but it’s like her consciousness had fallen back into a deep abyss trying to comprehend this new information. Another few minutes rolled by. “Your father told me to tell you this. You’re his devil foal and they love you no matter what choices you’ve made.” Something about that sentence snapped her back to me. She blinked.

“I’m not going to feel bad about it,” she said softly. “I refuse to let that place hurt me.” It was then that I could see a bit of Silver Shoe in her eyes. Or rather, I could see where Silver Shoe’s attitude came from. I put my hoof around her.

No pony else here understood what I was going through. Not Candle Light. Not any pony in this entire town. The only pony here that understood my feelings about that place was sitting here next to me. “My only regret, Runner, is that I turned my back on Silver Shoe. If I had just … stayed a little longer maybe all three of us could have escaped.” No more ‘ifs.’ Sick and tired of hearing myself say that. I’m sick and tired of that word period.

I shook my head not accepting any of what she was saying. “I don’t know about you, but all this touchy feely crap is a little overrated.” Glider chuckled. I looked at her with eyes that said we were done dwelling on the past. This place was our future. No, correction. This family is our future. “Am I really a part of this family,” I asked with worry.

Glider’s blank expression turned into a confident grin. Her hoof ruffled my mane while she put me in a headlock. My everything was thrown around side to side. “You’re damn right you’re a part of this family! And so help me if you try to run off I will personally drag you back!” We toppled over into a puddle forming in the rain. It was then we realized it was actually raining. For whatever reason, we just didn’t care about getting wet. “Before we get out of here you want to tell me anything else?”

Everything felt like it came to a pause. There was something still bothering me. Deep inside. “Actually, I know who killed your parents. It’s the same guy that put me and Silver Shoe through a bit of crap before I ran into you.” Glider shook her head. We both knew what I was thinking. It was stupid. “I want revenge, but I have a connection that gave me the name of someone that might be able to put that person in his place without me having to do anything more than give up some schematics.” Glider nodded. Of course she didn’t out right know what I meant by that, but she could see that what I had in mind was better than getting gritty revenge against a pony.

Daring Adventure had the right idea, but I won’t let it come to violence unless it’s my last resort. I want it to come to that though. “Are you thinking about a mare?” Glider shoved me a little then splashed water on my face. How did she? I don’t even know how she can do that. I rolled over and stood up saying we had something to pick up. For some reason I get the feeling Glider is not going to let that go. And she would be giving me a look that makes me think we’re going to have a long talk about who that mare is.

I galloped off forcing Glider to chase after me like a mother chasing her foal. One quick turn, then O’Conner’s house came into view. Glider caught up to me just as I jumped over his fence to the front yard. She slid right by me then took flight making sure to land right in front of me. “I win.”

“Bull shit, I win,” I shot back.

There was a huge smile on Glider’s face while I just shrugged it off. My horn lit up using a bit of force to push the doorbell down. It took me a minute to notice the garage was open. Once I did my curiosity drew me over to the Supra. Some trashcans near the curb fell over. I took a look noticing Glider was keeping a very noticeable distance away. “Hey, what’s the deal?” I whistled at her. She shook her head and flew off. “What the hell is her problem?”

A door slammed shut behind me. “What’s goin’ on?” I turned around shaking O’Conner’s hoof. Giving him a shrug I nudged my head at the glider, getting right to business. “Oh, right. Come on.”

I was taken through a small yet cozy home straight to the backyard where a flatbed wagon awaited me. Sitting on top of the long platform was a dusted bullet-hole filled wing span leaning against a frame with several busted gauges.

What? WHY? Who in this town would do that to this? I need a minute here.

By the time I took a look at the glider the rain had lightened up to the point I couldn’t even notice the drops. It was surprising to me that I could even notice the sprinkles with the mess lying in front of me. “What’d you get for me,” I asked rhetorically. O’Conner chuckled leaning a hoof against the door frame.

“That’s your glider,” he said brimming full of confidence.

This had to be a joke. There’s some hidden cameras around here aren’t there. My eyes jerked around looking for some pony to jump out on some reality TV show trying to punk me. “My glider?” I spoke rather flatly than I meant it to be. “O’Conner, I’m taking this to a garage not a junkyard. Give me something good, man.” The mental image of pulling this up to Diesel Fuel went through my head. Somehow I couldn’t picture him laughing his ass off. Not going to lie that’s actually a good thing.

O’Conner gave me a cheeky smile pointing at the hood. “Pop the hood.”

Pop the hood?

“Yeah, I said pop the hood.”

We popped the hood!

The hood snapped off from some rust leaving the entire engine exposed. The engine is was and always will be beautiful no matter how trashed it might look. Thank Luna it was actually in great condition! “A Rainbow Dash engine with twin turbo. No shit,” I shouted out in excitement. Embedded on the block in gold lettering was the engines name. “Yes, this will decimate all if I put a bit of gems in and if I have to, overnight parts from the Griffon Kingdom.” My head dove down inside like a colt jumping into a pool. Everything became transparent then replaced by the hundreds of lines that made the engine look like it was drawn schematically.

I can’t believe my eyes. This engine is nearly perfect. Maybe swap out a couple of parts or grease them up, should run as smooth as the silky insides of my saddle bags. “I retract my previous statement.” This could win me some money if I get the rest of it rolling. Sadly, it will still take a few bits to fix up the interior, but should be worth it if I get this running well.

Telekinetically setting three bags of bits down on his kitchen table I started strapping myself to the flatbed. Out of the corner of my eye I caught Glider keeping a very close eye on me. From the looks of it O’Conner hadn’t noticed. “I’ll help with the wrench time if you want.” Dually noted. I reached out and shook his hoof.

Pulling away from the house I nudged the gate open to the road watching O’Conner step back inside his house. I put my attention back to the road while a loud thud rattled from the flatbed. “So what the hell was that all about,” I asked Glider. I didn’t need a rear view mirror to tell me she was there. Any pony could tell she was going well out of her way to stay away from this specific pony.

“Long story, I’ll tell you later,” she spat back coldly.

In all honesty I’ve been through a whole shit storm of ponies not telling me things. My hooves slammed down on the dirt forcing the flatbed to halt behind a stop sign. Sweet Apple Acres was to the left. Past that was the Everfree Forrest. I’d say it was a large twenty mile hike after that. “Humor me, please, or I’m about to take us both on a twenty mile hike back to our childhood.”

With a very loud reluctant groan Glider rolled her head around mulling things over. Rain started to pelt us a bit harder which I believed was moving her decision along a little bit more. Holding her wings out over us like an umbrella, Glider finally let out a very low sigh. “Long story short, O’Conner came into our home, slept with Candle Light and turned out to be an undercover cop trying to bust Diesel Fuel’s team.” I hummed in response. And he couldn’t put you guys together with him? Probably didn’t have the evidence to do that. “Candle Light’s still sensitive about it so don’t mention him in front of her, or Diesel Fuel.” From the way she was staring at me I got the feeling he was like a brother to them. My jaw dropped. Glider gave me a pat on the shoulder knowing full well I had put some important threads together.

“Take us by the market café, I’ve got something to show you,” her voice was positive.

*** ***

Shutters were flung open revealing a plethora of space to work on gliders. In the very back of the market café were several garages built solely for rebuilding, tuning, perfecting and doing just about everything glider related. It was Diesel Fuel’s hotrod heaven. Backing the flatbed into one of the garages, I carefully unloaded it with my magic having Glider put it down with enough space to work around it.

Once I had the flatbed out of the way I took another look at the Eclipse. This was worth the money I spent and more. In fact I’d be willing to add a wet nitrous system once I got the bits for it. Slowly getting over my initial awestruck I began looking over the garage. On the other end was a large monster being covered up by a tarp, the shape of which made it impossible to identify, but the sheer size of the center bulge made me consider it to be an overly large engine. This was a garage after all. What else would you keep in one?

It didn’t take long for Glider to reject telling me what was under there. Nothing would make her budge in that conversation. “Listen, Runner, there are somethings that I can’t tell you. Believe me I want to, but that doesn’t belong to me.” I gave her an understanding nod. After all I just became part of this family, I’ve got all the time in the world to get to know everyone so I might as well take my time. “Listen, I know Diesel Fuel seems a little tough with you. He usually doesn’t like many ponies so just give him time.” She gave me a smile while turning back to the Eclipse. Her hoof went inside of the refrigerator and threw a can at me.

I caught it looking straight at the label. FULL THROTTLE: NOS. An energy drink? I looked up at Glider. “You’re going to need that to keep up with our pace.” She chuckled while I stashed it in my saddle bags.

*** ***

Hip hop music filled the Diesel Fuel household that night. Glider folded her fore hooves together leaning on the door frame. Vin was getting upset over a race on the TV while Lucky tossed him a Pegasus Breed. Diesel Fuel snuck in through the back staring right at them. “So what mares are we inviting?”

Glider looked at me taken back by the statement. I shrugged making sure to note I already had a mare off gallivanting with her thoughts.

Lucky Clover started mentioning a number of mares around town he had on speed dial. That raised a few questions to my head, like why he had a phone if he was a criminal. Another question for another day, maybe. Probably not. In all honesty I’m too tired to care. Glider bumped her way in between the stallions, “You need to shut the F,” her hoof jabbed Lucky Clover back warningly. Her head snapped back to Diesel Fuel. “You look a little tired, why don’t you go upstairs and give me a massage?” Without much of a second thought, the hulking stallion started walking up the stairs with Glider.

I plopped down on the recliner closing my eyes. Diesel Fuel called out to me. My eyes opened. “You know you owe my sister a ten second glider.”

“Yeah, I’ll get right on that,” I said with a half-smile. Glider gave me a chuckle before disappearing up stairs. My head started slipping out of consciousness. I zoned back in noticing it was near midnight. This was after all the gunfights, slow motion reloads and everything else. Shit, I’d had a packed day.

Always Moving

Chapter Twenty Two: Always Moving

On another rainy day, of which I was getting sick of, I threw the garage shutters open letting them rattle against the roof while I flipped the light switch on. Sitting in front of me was the Eclipse, to my left in another garage was my Mustang. Which one which one. A hulking figure stepped by me speaking up with an incredibly deep voice. “When you’re not working on the Eclipse, you’re working on the Mustang. If you can’t find the right tool here mister undecided,” I questioned that last statement, “then you don’t belong near a glider.”

Mister undecided? I’m undecided. I slowly put my gaze on both my gliders. Oh. OH! Right. He’s talking about Pegasi Import versus Earth pony muscle! I chuckled at that.

Glider gave me a playful nudge before she slid underneath her 240SX. Candle Light walked out from the door leading to the other side of the store. As she walked by she whispered, “He owns you now.” I thought you owned me? It was your glider. Oh, who am kidding, this entire family owns me now.

Popping open the hood I got to work on my Mustang. So far everything needed a little bit of everything. The engine had a few cracked pistons revealed after I used my transparency spell. It took me several around the clock hours, of which I was pretty sure the clock was just spinning around to mock me, before I got the engine up with a loud roar.

I went back and forth between each glider after they started presenting problems my inner pony didn’t have the fight to tackle. Every couple minutes I would pace back between them noting the same parts I would need to buy. Only once was I interrupted by a loud thunder clap that even managed to ruffle Glider’s feathers. Sometime between the thunder and me writing down parts I noticed Diesel Fuel had disappeared with his two other renegades. Glider dropped a few feathers down on my nose earning a sneeze. “Come on, break time,” she said with an energy drink in her hoof. I still don’t like these Celestia-awful drinks, but what the hell.

It took me under a minute to down the drink before throwing it into a trashcan. “So what’s your plan for the day?”

Glider shrugged. “Aside from fixing that beauty up, nothing. Well, keep you out of trouble.” I sarcastically laughed. My attention broke from Glider to get a glimpse at the clock. In about five minutes my body will have Pinkie Pie’s energy levels in it. “So how’d you become a gear head? You could use some work honestly, but you’ve got enough knowhow to handle yourself in a garage.” Her eyes were scanning my work the entire time she had be talking. I let my work speak for itself though. Never claimed to be a master mechanic, but I’ll let the world know I strive to be one.

Her question galloped around my head for several silent minutes. That was some ice I hadn’t crossed in a long time. “Well … see it all started with my father. Him and his friend were,” I squeezed my eyes shut trying to remember, “racing in the small circuit they had built in the pipes. Nothing fancy, but it got the job done. One day he took me there and it was love at first sight,” everything about racing I loved. The insane speed. That rush of winning. “The insanely hot,” I realized what I was saying out loud, “gliders.”

There was a look of bullshit-detection on Glider’s face.

Yes, I enjoyed staring at gliders … yeah. “Anyway, the point is that my father introduced me to racing. On the day of the small circuit race in the city, his friend slid around a turn with him, some guy tried to part them and made all three of them wipe out,” I paused remembering that day. The cheering crowd, the sirens, that toolshed. “My father got clipped, sliding straight into a toolshed that had very sharp tools. I’ll never forget that day.” It was one of the worst memoires from childhood. But enough about that, I buried that hatchet years ago.

Glider hummed sympathetically with what I was saying. Somehow it felt like she knew what I was talking about, I mean she was a former District pony like me so she knew what I meant. “I remember that race,” she spoke softly, carefully. “I’m so sorry, I had no idea you knew those stallions.” Huh, she was there. How about that? I guess you can be connected to ponies even before you meet them.

*** ***

Taking a swing from my Pegasus Breed, I took a look at the flatbed wagon I needed to return, which was strapped with boxes upon boxes of parts. The only thing that didn’t seem to fit was the nitrous bottles. That was going to be carried in my levitation field. Glider nudged me playfully while she took a chug out of her Full Throttle: NOS can. Her wing was pointing up at the sign, Always Moving Auto Parts.

Not only did it have a plethora of parts to choose from, it was beginning to feel like a second home, to which I would be spending ample amounts of time in. “We’re all loaded up!” Lucky called out to us while I strapped myself to the wagon. Lighting up my horn with a bright glow, my magic carefully lifted the box containing the NOS tanks up, which didn’t belong to me. I pulled out from the store loaded with new parts for both my gliders. “So, Runner, Earth pony muscle or Pegasi Import?” Dust kicked up from the wheels.

That’s a great question. “I like both.”

Glider flew next to me spitting the rest of her energy drink out. That put a smile on my face. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. No. You can’t like both of them. That’s not how it works,” Lucky teased while jumping on top of the flatbed. Vin joined him keeping his attention in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner.

I just shook my head letting him bombard me with every make-believe rule I was breaking. A sharp pain went through my head forcing me to snap my attention at the NOS box. UGH! I tipped the box to left to balance it out. It didn’t take a transparency spell to know those stupid bottles were bumping around inside. Knock it off, my inner pony shouted! The box tipped over to the right.

Vin reached up, pushing the box into a balanced position. “Yeah, I’ll admit I’m a bit fickle when it comes to picking a glider type, but man there’s just something about the way an import feels that just makes me melt for them. Muscle gliders though, man those give me the power I enjoy using,” I admitted. Vin squawked a laugh.

Glider silently agreed, but her face lit up more when I talked about muscle gliders. From the looks of it, our other two friends, including Candle Light, seemed to enjoy imports. “Yeah, Diesel Fuel’s a big muscle head, but don’t let that fool you. Believe me he’s an expert on every kind of glider, autowagon or anything else you can race with.” Sweet. Sounds like he knows his shit.

That reminded me of the coolest glider I had ever seen. It was owned by the same stallion that tested his gliders on that dirt path near the ruined bar. Hoofs down the best one he ever drove was the ’70 GTO painted as black as Luna’s beautiful mane. Not to mention it looked just as beautiful. Sorry Princess Luna, but that glider is sexy, kind of like you … oh I really hope she never hears me say that.

I felt my muzzle burning a little.

Engines. Gliders. Oh, yeah! The GTO! Man, that thing is more of a beast than that Mustang ever will be. Just from sitting at the bar I could practically feel the engine’s rumble shaking every broken bottle in the area. Just give that thing a blower and it would strike fear into Sombra himself! I’d love to race that machine just once. I voiced everything about the GTO, minus the Princess Luna bits, to every pony while I turned towards the market café.

Lucky seemed to respect everything I was saying. Same with the others. No trash talk, aside from a few bits that were really just meant as jokes and nothing more. “Now see, I’m an import stallion. I love the Skyline’s and Evo’s, but I have a real fine respect for the exotic super gliders and autowagons from Auhbu Dhabi,” Lucky admitted. Holy shit, damn. We’re talking the Edgisal Towers now. Man those rich ponies don’t shit around with their gliders. That place is way above Equestria’s paygrade. Seriously, that place makes this place look like a bucking dump. No, that’s too immature, the pictures make Equestria look like a dump.

If this were the old Equestria then we might be in some competition for the nicest place to live, but sadly, because of one stallion we lost. But enough about that, I wanna talk about those super gliders! Zero to sixty in under four seconds, minimum, top speeds of up to two hundred thirty wing power! Stops on a dime. Is any pony else around here getting aroused by this? No. Right … neither was I.

Lucky was in deep thought about those gliders as well. I could picture what he was picturing, a fast glider unlike any other blazing down the desert streets. “I hear DJ-Pon3 owns a Koenigsegg Agera One.” My jaw dropped. I closed it when I realized I had no idea what that was. Seriously, the books from my old living arrangements had jack shit to say about super gliders other than the fact they were fast. “She won a Cannonball Run once with that very same glider. Supposedly she got it from a friend, but I can’t tell you anything else since I don’t personally know her.” DJ-Pon3 is a she? You learn something new every day. “I think she stills takes it to special events in Maretonia and Saddle Arabia. Don’t know how she gets out of Equestria though since they closed us off to the world.”

That actually did raise some questions. I know for a fact that money can’t get you out of here. You could have all the money in the world and no pony would dare let you leave here. If they know you’re from Equestria then they know you have spores. Those spores get out then we have a problem on a global scale.

I started to question how Not Important got into Equestria. Then again if she’s trying to escape something from her past it would explain why she moved from her former home to here. Well, I probably won’t ever see her again, best not to dwell on her past.

We all pulled into the market café, notably with less tilting boxes then I was expecting, and unloaded everything. There was a lot I needed to do. “Come on,” Glider galloped over to my Mustang, “Let’s get the wingspan prayed open. Vin, Lucky, you guys get started on the Eclipse.” I trotted up to the left wing while Glider gripped the right. Once I had a stable grip we pulled!

AGH!

STUPID THING WON’T BUDGE! COME ON! UGH! COME ON!

We both looked at each other, practically holding our breaths at this point. Glider let go with a loud exhale. “Alright, hang on,” she said with a pant. Then it hit me. I wasn’t using my telekinesis. We gripped the wingspan again, this time with my horn lit. “Pull!” With another mighty heave we slowly pulled the wings out inch by, metallic screeching, inch. Dust clouds rose up making me sneeze. Giving the wingspan one last good pull, I fell back while the rest of the wingspan ejected out.

That was harder than it needed to be.

I leaned back against the cabinets staring directly at rust covered metal on the verge of falling apart. My horn remained lit up and levitated a few different spray bottles sitting above Glider’s head. Rust-Be-Gone, was written on the label. I tossed one to Glider then started spraying my half of the wing span. A large shadow fell over us making me cautiously look up at the hulking pony, “Just let that sit for a while.” Diesel Fuel’s voice echoed around the tiny space. “Vin, Lucky, we got ourselves a street race tonight,” he said while turning his attention to me. “Runner, once you’ve got the Eclipse done head up to Sweet Apple Acres.” Glider waved her hooves around, leaning against the wingspan, trying to get the location of our race. At least I assumed I was racing. “Get this stallion ready, tonight were hitting up Fillydelphia!”

Which means I’m racing! My time has come bitches!

*** ***

It. Is. Done.

I repeated those words to myself several times while staring at my shadow along the white picket fence beside me. My thoughts were scattered between the quick fixes I made to some of parts connecting the wingspan to the blocks. Should be fine, but a test run will give me more data to work with. I came to a stop in front of a sign claiming this to be Sweet Apple Acres.

Looking around at hundreds of apple trees I began to notice Diesel Fuel wasn’t anywhere to be found. Well, no sense in waiting for him if I know how to get started. My hoof drew a line through the dirt at the edge of the fence. I looked up at the computer screen blinking to my right near the radio. With a slight tap the entire thing lit up displaying a model of my Eclipse with every new part I had added to it including a layout of the wingspan. So far everything was in the green area except for the wingspan.

“Looks like there’s some stress built up near the center rod.”

My hoof tapped the screen, enlarging the schematic image. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. I exited out of the schematics making a mental note to check it out later if I had time. A loud rumble caught my attention while I dropped four horseshoes down at my hooves. The shoes opened with a metallic hiss and closed with the same sound while all of my hooves slid perfectly into them.

A new accessory that hadn’t been in the District were horseshoes that were padded at the bottom to act like the tires on an autowagon. Sadly, I still have no idea what the hell an autowagon is. It’s like I was living under a freaking rock! The loud rumbling behind me pulled up next to my Eclipse. I looked dead at a glider with a matte grey paint job. A 68’ Charger. “So you’re into earth pony muscle,” I spoke as casually as I could to Diesel Fuel. He gave me a nod lining himself up to the dirt line. Import versus muscle a never ending tale.

Twisting the key in the ignition slot, my engine started up with a loud hum only to be drown out by the ‘68 Charger’s roar. I took another glance at my computer screen, everything was still checking out to be good. For the most part. My back hoof hit the gas pedal, revving the engine as loud as it could. “You ready for this, kid?”

“I might surprise you,” I said facing forward.

We both revved our engines making the sign hanging above us shake. I knew that wasn’t from my engine though. That was all Diesel Fuel. “First one to reach Ponyville wins. Let’s take the long way.” I nodded. My horn lit up and fired a flare off the lit up red. It turned yellow. Green.

VEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

Diesel Fuel flung his fore hooves into the air, taking only two hoof steps forward while I pulled in front of him. My eyes widened at how much power he was putting out to pull that off. His fore hooves touched down pulling forward faster than I could get away. Taking a look at my wing speedometer I was clocking in at close to fifty wing power. Tearing my attention back to the road my back hoof hit the gas pedal back pushing me closer to sixty wing power.

In the matter of a second, Diesel Fuel put himself right next to me, loud rumbling drown out my Eclipse’s engine with little effort. Kicking the gas pedal back further my glider passed sixty five wing power while we approached a turn that was marked as being a quarter mile away from us. My back hoof hit the brake pedal and I slid towards the turn. Diesel Fuel let off the gas going for a wide turn, which was expected since he was boasting that much horsepower.

Dust flew up from under me while I tried sliding my closest to the fences edge. The horseshoes under me slid out inch by inch until I was almost ramming into Diesel Fuel’s Charger. He let off the gas, falling back into second while the edge of my spoiler hit the fence, chipping some of it off. I took one look into my rear view mirror and smiled. My hoof hit the gas pedal pushing me to eighty wing power. I was in the lead, ain’t no way I was giving it up now.

Diesel Fuel wasn’t struggling at all. In fact, he was keeping as calm as he was before the race even started. The wing speedometer passed ninety miles an hour. The loud rumble from the muscle glider behind me grew closer. Shit, come on, keep it together. I could practically hear the loud shift in between Diesel Fuel’s gears.

VEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

His fore hooves lifted off the ground again while he used the horseshoes to slide right by me. He touched back down putting a pony’s length between us. Damn it, come on. I shifted into fifth. My hooves picked up their pace as we prepared to turn left onto the final stretch. Hitting the emergency brake I slid towards Diesel Fuel while he went in for another wide turn. Once again I started pushing him towards the fence on accident. He looked over at me, down shifting to avoid my glider.

One quarter mile left.

I slid right in front of him, galloping at full force to put as much distance as I could between us. First a pony’s length. Then two ponies. The finish line was in my sights, the first edge of concrete was the end. Then the loud rumbling started growing closer to me. I took one good look in my rear view mirror. “Oh hell no,” I kicked the gas pedal back as far as it would allow me to push it. The wing speedometer clocked me in at one hundred twenty wing power.

Diesel Fuel put himself right next to me and looked right at my eyes. The loud shift between gears made me move away while his fore hooves and half of his glider went up into the air for a moment. As he set himself back down on the ground his machine pulled him forward leaving me three pony lengths behind while he crossed the finish line.

We both came to a stop at a refueling station. My breathing rate had turned into fast rapid pants. I put a hoof on one of the pumps while letting my glider keep itself propped up with its stands. There was only one thing going through my mind. “Dude, I thought I had you!” I shook my head. “Dead wrong,” I managed to say in between pants.

The weight of his staring was beginning to annoy me a little. It was like he was judging every little move I was making. There’s an off chance I might be looking too far into that. Like symbolism, complete bullshit more like it! “You’re running loose in the turns, your back end kicks out like that outside of a drag race, other racers will take advantage of that.” He had a good point. Some tinkering to the horseshoes needed to be done. With that in mind my gaze went to my computer screen. Tapping the screen a few times the schematics for the glider wingspan came up. The center section holding it together was still blinking red from stress.

I exited out of the whole thing leaving it a problem for another time. “Yeah, I noticed,” you know nearly running you off the road several times. I ran my hoof through my mane and scratched the back of my head going over all of the things I needed to fix before going to Fillydelphia.

“You’re still in though,” Diesel Fuel said with a voice deep enough to rival the oceans depths. I took a good look at him not understanding why he even needed me at the race. I performed badly enough in our race. For the love of Celestia I know he was just playing with me out there. Nothing more than a warm up before the real racing. “You did a lot better than you think,” he said staring off at the sign for Always Moving. “Do a few more runs, fix some of the issues when you get back to garage then we’ll head out to our race. If you do well enough I might have something to show you.” I chuckled with a nod. That would normally sound a little cryptic coming from any other stallion, but the look on his face told me there was something he wanted to show me if I could prove myself.

Tonight I’m looking to double the amount of bits I have, or if I’m lucky maybe even triple it. Diesel Fuel galloped off with his engine practically knocking over trashcans with its loud rumble. I went to work going over every scrap of data my computer pulled from the run. It wasn’t the best I could have done, but it wasn’t the worst either. Bar graphs were moving all around next to a line that showed my response time reaching each speed. I was topping out close to one hundred thirty wing power. “I need NOS.” The tanks we bought from Always Moving came to mind. “NOS is for serious racers,” I reminded myself, “well I’m a serious racer in need of some serious speed.”

*** ***

Gliders upon gliders were parked at an angle with their hoods open for everypony to see what the racers were packing. Mares danced upon makeshift stages, using balcony’s or fire escapes, each one rubbing up against the other to the point I was positive they were going to grab whatever room they could find then have at it. Every time that thought came to mind it made me chuckle. I have to admit I kind of wanted to join them if that happened.

“Ink Patch!”

The neon lights under several gliders lit up what should have been a dark alleyway hiding inside of Fillydelphia’s busy city. Cops, non-existent in this part of the city, thank Luna. All kinds of music mixed together creating a plethora of disharmonious sounds. Somehow, I managed to push some of that trash aside to focus on the one good song currently playing. Glider nudged me with her hoof. “Runner, don’t you even think about running off with them,” her head took a slight nod at the mares.

“H-Hold up, the way you rolled up. Mare you’ve got me wound up. Just sit right there an let me couch ya!”

But.

But. They’re looking me.

I told her about Daring on the way here. Probably not the best idea now that I’m surrounded by all this potential. Taking another glance at the mares I turned my attention back to Glider. She kept walking through the crowds of griffons, ponies and the occasional buffalo looking at the competition. “No pressure, but you’re racing against me tonight,” Glider proclaimed with an overly confident smile. That was expected. Honestly there’s always something that puts a downer on things. Contrary to what I was thinking, I actually wasn’t feeling that way.

“Hope you’re ready to have your ass served on a silver platter,” I jokingly teased back.

“You’ll need more than a few fancy parts,” Glider shot back with a smug smile.

“I’m here till the suns gone, twisted an sun burnt! Can’t nopony stop us! Let’s go insanity!”

Hip hop music blasted out from the speakers next to me making me miss the next thing she said. It was something hilarious though, because she said it with a large grin. I just rolled my eyes, not paying any of her taunts attention. Actually, all music and beautiful mares aside I’m feeling pumped for this race. It doesn’t even have anything to do with the fact I’ve got two large tanks of NOS strapped inside the glider blocks.

“Is you down? I’ll make the film of the year. I think you and your mare should give me some of that! We’ll go delirious!"

My eyes went down to some of the hoods popped open. Several decent engines were on display, most of which were able to rival either a Rainbow Dash of Apple Jack engine just at a glance. I couldn’t help but crack a smile at that. Most of these engines were looking to put out as much power as either one of those engines, but even if you could do that you’re still racing the road. That’s how I’ll win, race the road, that’s all I gotta do. Race the road. “What are you using tonight,” I asked turning my head to her 240SX.

VEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRMMMMMMMMMMMMRRRRRRMMMMMMM!

A cherry red RX-7, fitted with aftermarket parts to look sleek, with racing stickers plastered all over it, pulled up into the alleyway catching a few mares attention. Stepping out from underneath the beautiful machinery was Diesel Fuel with his reputation putting him almost at the center of attention. Crowds of people greeted him while Glider scoffed. “I’m cutting loose my 240SX. Just added some new parts to it the other day, used most of today to break them in.” Her voice trailed off.

“It will get ugly, while I’m out an’ cruisin’, think I need some wing mares! Get me some that! I’m straight outta Sunsota, smellin’ like that poison blue!”

The thing about street racing, it always has the best music. As I passed by the stallion playing the song, I took a look at the computer screen taking the name of the artists. Ink Patch and DJ-Pon3. Before I could see the name of the third artist I was pulled off to another set of gliders. “I really like this song!” I nodded recalling Silver Shoe never told me her favorite song. That brought a bit of hurt to me, but not enough to ruin my night. I couldn’t help but wonder what the singer meant by poison blue.

“LA-LA-LA-LA-LA. LA-LA-LA-LA-LA! Now come and take a ride here, okay!”

“Did Silver Shoe ever tell you what her favorite song was,” I asked trying not to seem too interested.

Glider just gave me a sly smile. I took that as a yes. She thought about that request for a minute before finally deciding on an answer. “I’ll have to play it for you sometime.”

Lucky Clover put his hoof around me, yanking me off to the side to look at some more gliders. Or … mares. I wasn’t really sure since both were in the general area of where he was dragging me.

It took me a moment and Lucky Clover practically shoving my face into one of the beautiful engines to get what he wanted me to look at. Most of the gliders around us were imports, which I was beginning to get accustomed to seeing. Several of them were boasting a Rainbow Dash engine that looked to be fully tuned. I felt a pang of jealousy seeing as my engine wasn’t fully tuned yet. “See anything you like?” As he said this, I looked up at a few mares paying me no mind. Yeah, actually there were a few things I liked.

A few gliders across from me was a stallion and mare mixing music together with a colorful light show from their glider’s neon lights. Tearing my attention away from the mares I took a look at the other engines around me. From the looks of it I actually stood a chance at smoking some ponies tonight.

Several mares came up to me and Lucky, they weren’t flirting, it was more than that and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying it a lot. Another mare bumped me from behind, I turned and stared right at Glider’s eyes. She shook her head looking right at the mares. “Reeeeeow. I smell,” she sniffed the air, “skanks. Why don’t you three just pack it up before I leave my hoof prints all over your faces?” They all nonchalantly looked around, one by one leaving the scene before Glider got pissed off. I had learned that this wasn’t her pissed off look, just mildly upset with some of her friend’s choices. I opened my mouth. “Yeah, whatever,” Glider quietly growled. I closed my mouth. “Remember, there’s a lucky mare you’re after. I see it in your eyes and I want to meet her.”

Now that I think about it there were only two mares in this family. I feel bad for her if Candle Light decides to serve us something with hot sauce mixed in. From what Lucky let slip, Vin doesn’t do very well after a night of extra spicy hot sauce served with horseshoe fries. “What is it with you and trying to meet ponies I know?” Kind of a stupid question, but I had to ask.

She chuckled, pulling me to her glider across the street. “If there’s a chance that our family can grow, then I want them here. It’d be the same if Silver Shoe met someone out there, at the very least give them a place they can call home regardless of if they want to stay.” I felt a warm ball welling up inside heart. Only the real family members stay behind. Glider gave me a soft push with her wing while guiding us over to a stallion checking out her glider. Behind him was a sunshine yellow glider with a hint of dark gold highlights near the wingspan. Naturally, I assumed it was his.

“Runner, this is one of the local racing nuts,” she said giving the stallion with a flannel jacket a gentle shove. He gave her a hug turning his attention to me. His eyes looked me over several times before looking at Glider. “This is Transmission, he’s got a last name to but he can’t pronounce it so …”she trailed off.

“Hey wassup snowman, I seen you checking out them engines over there,” his hoof pointed at a few of the gliders I had looked at. Another glider enthusiast. If I didn’t say it before I’ll say it now. I love this family. “That’s my ride over there.” He pointed straight at the gold trimmed glider that was starting to look more like a beautiful work of art. Glider trotted off to her 240SX leaving me to converse. Turning my attention back to Transmission’s glider, I could see it was highly customized, more so than mine was.  “I’m not cutting her loose here though, see I went legit not too long ago. Got on the Sunshine circuit, you hear about that?”

I nodded. “Hell yeah man, I read about that. You’re best time was ten seconds right?” Transmission stuck out his hoof and I bumped it with mine. I pointed to my Eclipse. “That’s mine, had to replace most of the parts, but hell it was worth it.” The stallion did a double take like he had seen it before. Shaking it off, he looked back at me. “I hope someone’s ready for second place,” I called out to Glider.

“Oh, so someone has jokes now! I’ll remember them when I’m holding the prize bits.” Transmission snorted hearing Glider come back at me. “It’s a three bag buy-in so make sure your broke ass can pay for it!” I rolled my eyes. Yeah, yeah. I’m good for it! Just need to win a few races to start paying you all back.

A few ponies started gathering around a spray-painted starting line. I galloped over to my Eclipse, slid underneath it, strapped everything on and pulled out next to Glider. She looked over at me, nudging her head at the ground. Taking a glance down I noticed my fore hooves were past the red line. I took a slight shift back making her smile. Behind me the other racer’s scowls were burning into the back of my skull, which brought me back to a few not so happy times with a pony that could actually burn my head.

“These beats make ya all pop!”

Both of the speakers sticking out from the 240SX began vibrating to the point I felt myself shaking against the mighty boom of the bass. Going straight for several switches near my radio, I flipped them up. My computer screen slid out from its hiding spot, folding up so I could view all the stats from my last run. Different colored graph bars escalated and descended with all kinds of labels popping out from them. I cleared it all away. Tapping the screen a few times I brought up my two stage NOS system.

“Hell yeah were going digital. Yeah we’re going digital! Now let’s pop and lock this mother down!”

You’re going to win. You’re going to win. I’m going to win.

I repeated those words to myself several times before closing my eyes. Words of encouragement went through my mind along with a few thoughts of Daring waiting for me at the finish line. It might be a little naive to picture her there, mostly since getting a mare like her into a stallion like me wasn’t plausible, but if it helps me win then I’ll think about it.

My horn lit up floating out my last three bit bags full of gems. A pain shot through my heart while I set them down in Diesel Fuel’s hooves for safe keeping. The other racers, a hippogriff and buffalo, did the same. My back hoof revved the engine a few times. Several small windows appeared next to my NOS system displaying a few more statistics in the background. That same damn red stress line on my wingspan was still there. “Shut up,” I found myself saying quietly. My hoof hit a few buttons forcing the other programs to leave me alone. Reaching back to one of the NOS tanks, I twisted a knob until a low hissing sound caught my attention.

A mare dressed in a fine fitting bright yellow shirt stepped out in front of us with a white checkered flag in her mouth. Ponies whistled at her as she held the flag high up into the air. She brought it back down and each one of us shifted into first before taking off at full speed.

With a quick zip I pulled myself into first place keeping Glider well inside my rear view mirror while the buffalo with all his muscle kept me running for my money. Literally. Our hooves all pounded the street together with the half a mile finish line in our sights.

I shifted into second, then third. The wing speedometer clocked me at sixty wing power. With a loud thunderous clap against the ground, the buffalo pushed passed me almost effortlessly with the hippogriff following right behind his bumper. I shifted into fourth and punched the red button.

My horn lit up making my entire glider transparent while I stared at the liquid being sprayed into my engine. Everything blurred together while I just went! I went forward, passed the other two bucking racers straight towards that spray painted line.

Everything around me slowed down almost to a halt. Something didn’t feel right. This entire race, while designed to be short, was missing something. My eyes cautiously turned to the rear view mirror. The pumping from my heart sounded like a giant drum being hit by DJ-PON3 with a large mallet.

Right. Behind. Me. Glider was literally on my ass with her hoof right above her NOS button. As she pushed it down everything felt like it was moving at regular speed again.

Glider galloped passed me as I panicked! My hoof shot out, hitting the second red button. Loud hissing caught my attention while the entire NOS system on my computer screen was replaced by my wingspan schematics. The entire thing was blinking red while the NOS sprayed into the engine forcing me to gallop even faster than I could muster up. “I said shut up!” I yelled out at my computer. The red bar disappeared. Part of my hood ripped off with an annoyingly loud metallic tear just before hitting the top of a building.

FLA-CLUNG!

Another metal piece snapped behind me, letting both sides of the wingspan slide out. Both parts of the metal span scrapped along the ground creating noises nopony could stand to hear. Sparks flew out everywhere, as if the engine was strapped to fireworks, while Glider passed the finish line. A painfully loud exploding noise came from the engine bay. I looked around frantically at my computer while everything just shut off. The horseshoes tried to unclasp themselves from my hooves. One of them flew out from underneath me nearly hitting an innocent bystander in the face.

I came to a screeching halt with smoke blowing out every open end in my Eclipse. My chest puffed in and out. Sudden realization washed over me. Those were my last bits.

Oh shit. Oh. Shit. This isn’t happening. This isn’t happening to me.

I cursed several colorful things that would make Daring Adventure smile at me. What made matters worse was that not even her coy smile was able to warm my cold heart right now.

Moving one hoof in front of the other, I slowly walked forward trying to come up with some way to earn money. Everything in my head was empty right now. No plan. No major heist that could earn my money back. I was currently every variation of the word screwed.

The walk to the finish line was shorter than I had thought, but I could feel every pair of eyes on me. The pit of my stomach started welling up. This was what it felt like to literally lose every single bit you owned. I looked up with a smile. “What are you smiling about,” Glider asked me with a chuckle.

“Man, I thought I had you, I didn’t have nothing!” The crowd started laughing. Not because I thought I had her, but because they knew I didn’t stand a chance the moment I saw Glider’s tail swish past me.

Diesel Fuel walked up to my glider, he looked down, right into the engine bay. His hoof tapped the spoiler a few times before he looked dead at me. “You thought you had Glider,” he said looking around at each racer, “he thought he had Glider. You thought you had her?” I cautiously looked around at the crowd. Some of the mares were laughing making my pride go straight down the drain of the house I buried a lot of stuff under.  The color in my face flushed. “Let me tell you something, you didn’t have the bits you bet. Almost had Glider,” he scoffed. His gaze returned to me. “Ask any racer, any real racer. It don’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning is winning.”

And let that be a lesson to hold on to.

A wing brushed up against me. It took a minute to notice everypony had practically forgotten about me while they got ready for another race. I stepped over to the sidewalk, unstrapping myself from the burning piece of crap I had turned the glider into. “Hey was that fun,” Glider asked brushing her wing against me, “Don’t look so down.” I looked up at her not knowing what to think. It’s bad enough I already owe them one crap ton of gems, but the fact I’ve got a few other things bearing down on my head right now isn’t really helping my self-confidence which is really starting to go below the safety line.

And suddenly I envisioned Daring laughing her ass off with Silver Shoe. Both of them talking about some things I’d rather not say out loud or even in my head. In fact it didn’t help that their words were making me feel very inadequate. However, there was one good thing in all that. The fact they were getting along in my head suggested they could have been great friends.

“You going to give me my bits back?”

Glider scoffed shaking her head. “Hell no, but you can earn every bit back at the Cannonball Run.” I paused, staring right at the ground.

The what?

My gaze rose up to meet her. She was giving me a smile. Obviously she was seeing something I wasn’t.

Voices from the Six

Chapter Twenty Three: Voices from the Six

Embarrassment.

Even with roughly eight hours of sleep under my eyes, a comfortable bed, water and anything else that made a good night’s sleep, I could still feel a blush of embarrassment on my face. Through my closed eyes I could see several ponies laughing. The mental image of all my smack talk raced around me just before giving me several hard slaps.

This is what happens when you have too much confidence in your own damn skills.

Speaking of my skills, I don’t have any tracking skills. So finding Bolt Action might be a bit harder then I imagined.

I let out a low groan, slowly opening my eyes to the cloudy sky greeting me through the window. Those clouds need to go away, or at least get painted a different color. The bed squeaked from underneath me as I stood up looking around the empty room. The door had been left cracked open, but there wasn’t any noise. It was like the house itself was dead empty.

My saddle bags were missing from the usual corner I tossed them into. Retracing the events from last night I recalled they had been tossed down near my Mustang back at the market café. I tapped my hoof against the ground.

Do I really want to go work on my gliders today? Ugh. No really. I mean I normally would, but shit, I really … just do not have the motivation or focus for that right now.

Once I was positive I was unsure of what to do, I trotted down the stairs sniffing the air for the smell of breakfast. Nothing but the smell of wooden stairs. I questioned why stairs this old actually had a smell to them. “Oh, hey, good morning.” Blinking several times I took in my surroundings. Apparently I had somehow gone through the living room into the kitchen and sat down without being aware of it. Candle Light cracked a few eggs open. “You want anything?” I shook my head. For once my stomach wasn’t empty.

“Where’s Glider and the others?”

Candle Light hummed with a shrug. “They didn’t say, but if I had to guess probably making another delivery.” Right. Delivery.

That’s when it hit me.

If I have to pay them back then why the hell can’t I just work with them to steal all the stuff they’re stealing? In fact my share from the train robbery was never given to me. “Just out of curiosity, did they ever mention paying me for the job I first pulled with them?” I looked up at Candle Light. From inside the fridge I could hear the sweet sound of a Pegasus Breed calling my name. At ten in the morning. Why does that make me feel like an alcoholic?

Sizzling eggs made my ear twitch while Candle Light flipped them over with a spatula. The cooking utensil was placed to the side. “They haven’t said anything to me about it, but I bet whatever it is they owed you went into the Eclipse.” Yeah, that sounds about right. Actually, with the bits I would have made from that specific job would have covered the cost of the parts.

“Oh, good. So I’m just flat broke.”

Candle Light shook her head sympathetically. “Well, that’s not entirely true. You still owe me a ten-second glider.” There was a small grin tugging at the edge of her muzzle. She wasn’t expecting it anytime soon, which was met with a sigh of relief. “Take your time with that, I’m in no rush,” she said with a smile. “Don’t worry about it until you’re making some decent bits.” I met that statement with a nod. This was one thing I loved about Candle Light, she was always so understanding.

I feel like I could talk to her about anything, which was a nice feeling to have. Her and Glider, actually, everypony but Diesel Fuel gave me that feeling. “Heard about what happened last night, did you learn anything?” My horn lit up, floating out a bottle of Pegasus Breed from the fridge. Candle Light sighed while trotting over to the table. Her hoof took the bottle away from me before I could open it. “Diesel Fuel put Glider through that same lesson. It’s not a fun one, but it proves he accepts you as part of the family.” I looked up at her with my jaw slightly open. She nodded. “Told you he just takes some getting used to.” Candle Light ruffled my mane with the icy cold bottom of the bottle. “What did you learn?”

Umm. Good question. I learned that loosing sucks. There’s also the fact I probably can’t show my face in Fillydelphia anytime soon. It’s like that one issue of Swordmares. Only I can endure this and survive. Endure and survive. Endure and survive. “That I should really quit talking trash.” Candle Light found that humorous enough to laugh while she put the Pegasus Breed back in the fridge. From the way she was acting I was pretty sure that wasn’t the lesson I should be taking from this whole experience.

“No, that’s not quite it,” she said rather softly. “The lesson is to be humble about your skills. Don’t sell yourself short though.” There was a grin on her face. Somehow that made me smile to.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Our grins turned into our thinking faces while we each put two and two together. I got up from my seat and started waving a rag in front of the fire detector while Candle Light dumped her burnt eggs onto a plate. The beeping subsided after I waved most of the smoke away. “I guess the lesson here is to keep an eye on your food.” Candle Light was not amused. “I’ll just … library.”

*** ***

Instead of heading straight to Princess Twilight’s library, I took a detour to Diesel Fuel’s Market Café to pick up my things. There was a bit of irony I began to piece together with each step to the library. The comic that Bolt Action left me was a hard to find limited edition. Because of that son of bitch I was going to get some more cash. Looks like I won’t be going home empty hoofed today.

My hoof nudged the elegant door open, my coat was shivering from the blast of cold air coming from the inside. The first thing I noticed was that it was unusually empty today. Aside from Page Turner sitting around reading a book, which I was beginning to become accustomed to, the place had no ponies in it.

Approaching the comic book counter I pulled out my War Never Changes: Fallout Edition and placed it down in front of Page Turner. “How much can I get for this?” Page Turner’s eyes slowly looked up at me. She blinked while showing me an expression that made me almost regret bothering her. Once she saw the comic book her expression changed. Her jaw dropped while her hoof tapped the ground. Holding her hoof up, she looked around.

Motioning for me to keep quiet, Page Turner took the comic from the counter and tossed a bag of gems down in front of me. “Thanks bro,” I said swiping the money.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” she softly spoke back to me. “This is going in my personal collection.” I spared her one last look before walking up the stairs. Sounds like she’s a big fan of that series.

Books upon hundreds of books were stacked on the shelves around me. The beating in my chest became a lot rougher. I love this place. My eyes went straight to the first section I hadn’t been in yet.

Read it. Read it. Read it. Read it. Read it. Read it. Read it.

They must have rearranged the books while I was gone.

Read it. Read it. Read it. Read it. Read it. Read it. Read it.

Oh, cool. A new Daring Do book arrived. First edition. Not bad. “What’s this,” I questioned to no pony specific. Another spell book. This one came with better levitation spells. My magic might be slightly above average after dealing with the amount of infected lately, but I doubt I could use these spells.

I pushed the book to the side and stared right at a protection spell book. My hoof traced the edge of it before pulling it out of place. Flipping the cover open I read the table of contents carefully, then took a look at the different kinds of protection spells. One of them caught my interest. “Oh, so that’s why that spell shatters like glass. Looks like mine’s one of the weakest,” I found myself saying out loud. “How about this one.” My eyes kept scanning the page until I noticed a still of Princess Twilight using her spell to protect ponies from a mare named Starlight Glimmer. There was a small description on how to use the spell, but not a detailed one, sadly, I couldn’t create the spell without more detail.

Flipping the book closed, my hoof slid it back where it belonged. Interesting read, but I’ll need to find another book with Twilight Sparkle’s protection spell. Odds are I’ll only be able to use it twice in a row before getting a massive headache, but at least it will be strong enough to hold hordes of bullets back. Mental note added, learn a new protection spell.

A door slammed open a few bookcases down from me. I pulled the protection spell book back out keeping slightly hidden behind the books. A stallion walked out of a room labeled “Restricted Access: Authorized Personnel Only,” that certainly has my attention now.

“Of all the jobs I get stuck with,” the stallion grumbled to himself walking to the stairs, “can’t the little son of bitch get his own damn water?” He disappeared down the staircase leaving the door slightly cracked open. I clapped my hooves together.

I’ve outran cops. Stolen from the Redemption Casino. Broken into a glider factory. Tangled with a skilled assassin in hoof-to-hoof combat. I’m pretty sure I can check out a room with a creaked open door.

I feel like I’m overestimating my own skills again. After all there was team work involved with all of those feats. Hmm. This seems simple enough though.

Taking my inner pony’s advice, I put the spell book back where it belonged and galloped over to the door. Pushing my way inside, I carefully closed the door behind me while facing one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. Dozens upon dozens of memory jewels glowed different bright colors all around a dimly lit room. I could have sworn I was inside of a dragon’s horde if it wasn’t for the shining bookcases displaying the jewels.

So many labels to look at. I started with the first one. “The Great and Powerful Trixie,” I tilted my head keeping my attention focused on the still of a performer treating everypony at the Grand Galloping Gala to a wonderful firework display. Colors were frozen mid-explosion, yet it somehow made the mare in the center stand out even more beautifully.

Turning my attention to the next shelf I found a book placed near a still of Twilight Sparkle without her wings. “That must have been prior to her becoming a princess.” My gaze fell on the book sitting next to the jewel. The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide. “Why isn’t it under ‘E’?” Maybe that stallion should reorganize this place.

Continuing my venture into the storage of jewels I read each name quietly to myself.

Vinyl Scratch. Octavia. Tree Hugger?

Who the buck names there foal Tree Hugger? Then again who names their foal, Runner? What kind of a name is O’Conner anyway? That’s not even a typical pony name. I should ask him about that. Sounds like there could be an interesting story there.

I paced back and forth through the shelves of memories for what was beginning to feel like an hour. At some point I began to question where that stallion had gone off to, but it didn’t take long to figure he was buying as much time as he could to avoid seeing his boss. That did not bother me in the slightest, after all every minute I spent here was a minute learning more about the mares that once wielded the Elements of Harmony.

Eventually I crossed over into the reference guide section of the room taking note of all glider, autowagon and spell books. None caught my attention until my eyes caught the sight of a large text book facing the room like it was on display. It was titled Equestrian Cops: A Reference Guide. “Alright O’Conner, I’ll check this out for you.” The book levitated out of place while I sat down on the floor. A few pages flipped open and a jewel fell out. I focused my magic on it right away, feeling the world rip away from me.

*** ***

Twilight Sparkle sat at her desk in Canterlot with her eyes locked dead in the direction of Ponyville. The jewel spawned me a hoof step away from the Princess of Friendship with my gaze pointed down at the busy city below the castle. This memory felt different. Just sitting here next to Twilight was relaxing for some unexplainable reason. Both of our gazes turned to Ponyville and as if on cue, a protection spell around her former castle began to crash down on top of it.

My hoof traced the ground until I noticed Twilight was wearing a dark blue uniform with several stars close to her breast. I took a glance at her desk behind us finding a matching hat for the uniform. There was a jacket lying next to it that looked almost identical to Commander Easy Glider’s coat. Next to her coat was a newspaper with an article about the infected being forced out from nearby towns between here and Manehattan. “Don’t look so down Twilight,” Spike waddled over to her putting his claw on her wing. “This month alone you’ve pushed the infected back into the Smokey Mountains, put both Applejack and Rainbow Dash in chief positions in the force and made Equestria stable.”

I couldn’t believe how big Princess Twilight had gotten, she was tall. Spike literally needed a chair to even come close to resting his claw on her shoulder. Even then he of had to stand on his claw tips so he could accomplish that task. Twilight gave him a half smile, “I know I have done a lot.” She paused, staring out at Ponyville and the dark skies. “But I just don’t think it’s enough. I could … we could be doing more. Like finding a cure for all of this or even freeing the other Princesses.” She let out a long exhausted sigh. I turned my gaze to her eyes. They were bloodshot. Bags were forming under her eyes.

My hoof tapped the floor a few more times while the door was pushed open. I turned around to find Applejack wearing the same getup Twilight had on only with the addition of her trademark hat. Behind her was O’Conner’s role model. Rainbow Dash was also wearing a police uniform but with a pair of shades covering her eyes. Everything around me became transparent, including Rainbow Dash’s shades, her eyes were also bloodshot. She cracked open an energy drink while waving a hoof at the country mare. “Twilight, our teams are both ready to take down the remaining Fireflies.” Applejack removed her hat while Rainbow Dash trotted back out the door looking ready for action.

Turning my attention to Twilight I could see she hadn’t spared her friend the slightest bit of attention. Spike exchanged a few glances with Applejack before jumping down from his chair to leave them alone. Well, mostly alone. “Twi,” the country mare walked over to her placing a hoof around her shoulder. “You’ve been to the Empire again haven’t ya.” Tears began forming in Twilight’s eyes.

There was a polite nod followed by a stutter. “I … Applejack. I’ve tried everything I can think of. Twenty years of this,” she shook her head, “and I can’t break that spell.” Tears rolled down her muzzle while she used Applejack as her shoulder to cry on.

“I know sugar cube. I know.” Applejack just sat there trying to find the right words. Seconds stretched on into minutes. After what felt like several hours of sitting, a glance at the clock revealed five minutes had passed, Twilight finally looked up. “Listen, Twi. I understand you’re still hurtin’ from all of this, but you can’t keep venturin’ off inta foreign territory, territory that’s housing most of the infected these days.” All Princess Twilight did was nod politely.

Twilight pushed her friend’s hoof away while floating her hat down on top of her head. Various pistols floated up behind her, each one looking more deadly than the last. Three highly customized weapons moved out from the horde while the rest of Twilight’s weaponry returned to their hiding place inside of a drawer.

I took a peek inside her weapon drawer and fell in love with what I saw. Every pistol was organized from deadliest kill streak. This Princess has style. “Listen, Twi I have a bit of a personal request.” Twilight loaded up her weapons before sliding them inside of her coat. She slid it on and hummed. “Since the Fireflies are based near Ponyville, can we stage a rescue mission for mah sis and her friends? They were out testing a glider an … well … they’re trapped near Zecora’s.”

Twilight’s hoof struck a button on a walkie-talkie. “Rainbow Dash, get the girls to meet us at the Fireflies base in an hour. We’re going on a rescue mission. That’s an order.” Her hoof released the button. A look of astonishment found its way onto Applejack’s face. I found myself looking up to Twilight, she was ready to jump into a shit storm risking her life for her friend’s sister. Mental note added.

*** ***

I pushed myself up with a long gasp. My chest puffed in and out while I recollected everything that had just gone down inside the memory jewel. Out of everything that happened in it I took away one thing. Twilight Sparkle was a pony to look up to with admiration. This rose up interesting questions about why O’Conner joined the force.

It took me a moment to notice everything was looking lopsided. When did my head hit the floor? Oh, right when you go into one of those things you fall unconscious. I cracked my neck to the side staring at a few more memory jewels.

Curiosity started flowing through me more and more. I hate to say it but these things are like an addicting drug. Thank Celestia there aren’t negative side effects. My hoof pulled out several interesting jewels with stills depicting each of the other element bearers. “Here we go again.” I focused my magic on a topaz colored jewel feeling the world rip away from me.

*** ***

Toxin. Green toxin oozed below the cliff my host stood at, melting the buildings that were unfortunate enough not to have a protection spell cast on them. From what I read about protection spells they lasted a long time. Just staring out at the buildings still intact made me question just how long it would take before the gunk below turned it into a steaming pile of ooze.

Hope.

That word didn’t exist at this place. It was like watching a green fire burn over everything in its path while the skies darkened like a curtain for it to display all of its raw power. My host reached for the shades on her face, pulled them off, and just stared at her reflection. It was Rainbow Dash’s memory.

Off by her lone some was a griffon that was dressed in an assassin’s attire just like the one Shelby had worn. A vest lined with throwing knives. Another look was taken at the green pool of toxin chipping away at a sign declaring this place to be Twilight Sparkle’s School for Phenomenal Unicorns. Resting her hoof on a wooden sign, Rainbow Dash turned our attention to the words carved in the wood with poor craftsmanship. Chunks of rubble from a nearby building broke off splashing up a wave of toxin.

The Valley:

Twilight Sparkle’s School for Phenomenal Unicorns.

Sliding her pair of sunglasses inside of her jacket, Rainbow Dash took in a deep breath. “Long time no see, Dash.” The griffon muttered so quietly that I almost failed to hear her. Her beak turned to us, there was a long scar running down it.

Rainbow Dash paced back and forth muttering various foul language simultaneously trying to comprehend something. Once all four of her hooves were placed firmly on the ground she faced the griffon. “Why’d you do it Gilda,” she spat.

“Because he was paying,” Gilda shot back loudly, swinging her claws in Rainbow Dash’s direction. My host took a step back avoiding the griffon’s razor sharp claws. She had been expecting that. Our eyes locked. “You have no idea what I went through after seeing you in Griffonstone. I thought maybe, just maybe, friendship could actually work for griffons, but no. And my so called friend was nowhere to be found when I needed her.” Gilda’s chest puffed in and out while she gritted her teeth together. “I did what I had to in order to survive, Dash, because friendship doesn’t pay the bills. Autumnal, he pays well though. Pays well enough for the last few things his device needed.” If I had been standing next to Rainbow Dash my jaw would have dropped simultaneous with hers. I remember that day.

At this point I didn’t know what to think. These two were supposed to be friends. Now they’re on opposite sides ready to go hoof to hoof with each other. Gilda tore her gaze away from us, facing the toxin below. It was like these two just couldn’t be friends. My heart ached for them. Rainbow Dash slid her hoof into her jacket and pulled out a grenade. Silently pulling the pin out, she set it down on the ground with her hoof keeping the lever down. “Sometimes friendship isn’t magic, Dash. Sometimes it’s a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.” Gilda spun around flinging a throwing knife straight at one of Dash’s eyes.

She dove to the right kicking the grenade towards Gilda while she jumped off the cliff. Both fighters spread their wings taking off after one another.

*** ***

I awoke with another loud gasp for air. My eyes popped wide open taking in my surroundings faster than I thought I could. The stallion from earlier still wasn’t here or if he was he just hadn’t seen me yet. After all I was near the back of the room with a book case blocking most of my body from view. With a few deep breaths I began looking through the stills I had available in front of me.

Pushing the Rainbow Dash jewel away I focused on a light blue gem. “These things are so addicting.” A sharp pain went through my head like I was beginning to get a headache. I ignored the pain, focusing all my magic on the jewel. The world ripped away from me.

*** ***

The clip clopping of hooves caught my attention the moment I opened my eyes to a full furnished office with everything put exactly where it needed to be. A mare walked through me making my stomach want to unload everything like a clip from an assault rifle. I swallowed down whatever it was trying to fight its way out my stomach, taking the time to also move away from the gorgeous mare pacing in front of me.

Her purple mane swirled around, her white coat making the three diamond cute mark stand out even more. I turned my attention to the scale model of a large university the size of two desks sitting in front of us. She turned her attention to some paperwork on an adjacent desk giving me the chance to look it over.

Leaning in closer to the model I could see figurines placed all around sidewalks leading in different directions to buildings that hadn’t been labeled yet. There was one label attached to the model’s flooring that declared it as the new gifted unicorn school. Rarity passed through me again sending my insides into a fit of rage. Stumbling over to one of the desks, I set my hoof down ready to throw up. I turned back at Rarity, prepared to yell at the memory for doing that, but stopped when she attached a label to her work of art. “Elegant. Poise. Beauty. It has all of this and more. Coco,” Rarity turned her head to her assistant typing diligently at her computer, “take a letter to Twilight. Tell her everything is spot on and perfect!” She clapped her hooves together.

I took a glance at Coco’s name tag taking a note of her full name. I liked it. Turning my attention back to the scale model of Twilight Sparkle’s School for Phenomenal Unicorns, I began trying to figure out where it was being built at. “Speaking of Princess Twilight, she wanted me to give you this.” Coco held up a letter that was immediately levitated over to Rarity. The paper unfolded itself. I took a look over the elegant mare’s shoulder.

Dear Rarity, please send me the current designs for the main buildings as soon as possible. Through some terrible planning our hard copies over in the valley have gone missing. Don’t forget to take a break.

My grin turned into a deadpan. Talk about taking a break, Twilight needs one herself. At least I think she does. I have no idea when this takes place.

Rarity folded the letter back up before sliding it back into the envelope it came in. Her hoof went back and forth while she stared up aimlessly almost to the point she looked like she was thinking something over. Her mumbling made it impossible to understand what she was saying. Once she was done she turned to Coco. “Take the rest of the day off, I’m heading to the construction site to visit Twilight. Just make sure to leave me the blueprints for the university buildings on my desk before you go.”

The assistant looked taken aback by this request. “Umm sure. Are you sure you don’t need me? A trip to the valley is a long way from Canterlot.” Rarity hummed with a polite nod. She smiled and waved a hoof. Attached to her hoof was a phone that lit up with a pleasant ringtone. Hitting a button on the device, Rarity held the phone close to her ear.

“Keep the toxin back,” Twilight’s voice called out from the phone.

“Twilight. What’s going on over there?” The call cut to static a few seconds later leaving both Rarity and her assistant with confused looks. Rarity galloped out of the room while the entire world around me ripped away.

*** ***

My eyes popped open without my usual gasp. I just lay there trying to piece the puzzle together. Without anything to tell me when these events happened I couldn’t be entirely sure about what was going on. From what I could gather though that specific memory took place before Rainbow Dash and Gilda’s fight in The Valley.

The door knob across the room started moving. Mixed with the sheer silence of the room the door knob sounded like an orchestra trying to outplay one of DJ-Pon3’s concerts. I took a look at the other two memory jewels I had lying in front of me. They belonged to Pinkie Pie and Applejack.

Everything became transparent allowing me to see the stallion from before. He was juggling several bottles of water while trying to open the door without dropping them. I stopped using my spell. There was a door several bookshelves down. Scooping two jewels into my saddle bags I galloped forward with great haste to the only other seeable exit. I bashed the door open and slammed it shut behind me.

Immediately locking it, I turned around to face a large staircase going straight up. With no other way to go I galloped up each step as quietly as I could, but even that sounded like a loud drum being beaten senselessly. By the time I reached the top of the staircase I could have sworn my hooves had played a symphony all the way up.

I came to a stop. The room was … dark. All I could make out was the shape of long figure sitting on a throne chair that had shadows cast over it to keep the creature hidden. Rays of sunlight peeked through a pair of curtains draped down around the entire room.

Squinting my eyes a bit more I could make out a goats hoof, but next to it was a dragon’s leg. I opened my mouth, but no words came out. “So you’re the one that’s been skulking around the restricted section of the library,” the creature spoke softly to me. I froze dead in my tracks.

Okay. Run. Do as you’re name suggests and run.

Every fiber in my body screamed at me to run and that’s exactly what I did. Something behind me snapped just before I hit a wall that hadn’t been behind me before. Pain shot through my entire body while I pulled my throbbing muzzle away from the wall. It vanished with another snap. Turning around to face the creature still hidden in darkness I could make out a lions paw and claws gripping the side of the throne. “Yeah. I’m,” not saying anything anymore. Why can’t I say anything?

My hoof felt every inch of my muzzle searching for my mouth. There was nothing there. I didn’t have a mouth! “Oh hush, I know who you are, Runner.” I stopped feeling for my muzzle and sat down on my haunches. There wasn’t much I could do. A feeling of uneasiness washed over me. “You’re the stallion running around stealing from casinos, trains and more importantly you’re the one with no way of tracking down a certain escapee from District Twelve.” Every variation of the word speechless described me right now. This creature, this creature hiding in the darkness, knew exactly who I was and what I was up to.

That actually sums up my life recently. Since my escape from that place I had lost track of how long it had been. Not that I really cared to keep track. I tried to clear my throat, but couldn’t. “I know all about you, but do you know all about me? After all you enjoy reading history books.” The creature twitched, swinging its tail into view. They weren’t purple dragon scales though, sadly that ruled Spike out as the creature watching me. In all honesty I was really hoping it was Twilight’s number one assistant.

I shook my head showing the creature I had no idea who he, she, it was. “You haven’t even read Discord: Alicorn Princess?” I didn’t need to see the creature to know its jaw had dropped. It snapped its fingers conjuring up a book decorated with a draconequus on its cover. There was a horn and wings drawn on it to make the creature look like an Alicorn. I could feel my jaw lower. When had it been put back on my muzzle? “Oh fine. Here’s an autograph,” he snapped his claws making the name Discord appear over the cover.

This will be the last time you ever see me, and you might want to get those plans to a draconequus named Discord. He’ll know what to do with them.

The words of my favorite crew member ran through my head like a speeding glider. I felt embarrassed that it took me this long to figure out who this was. “I am the master of chaos, I am legend, oh ho I am Discord.” A ray of light shined down on Discord giving me a full view of his long white beard. Taking a few cautious steps forward I eventually found a cushion to sit on. “To answer your unspoken question, yes, I know you Runner. I know just about everypony running around Equestria these days.”

I found myself questioning how he could know every pony in Equestria. Even Celestia didn’t know all of her subjects. Or did she? I pondered that for a moment before focusing back on Discord. “Honestly it’s my only real form of entertainment these days what with raising the sun and moon. But really, how does one expect the master of chaos to make friends when he’s stuck on this throne raising the sun and moon day in day out?” Well Celestia did it for a thousand years. It can’t be that difficult. “Oh I know what you’re thinking, and yes, it is that difficult. You try taking over Celestia’s job after Equestria’s plot device goes off stripping me of nearly all my magical abilities.” Discord began stroking his beard, going into deep thought about what I assumed was the events leading up to that day. I mouthed the words ‘Equestria’s plot device’ a few times over.

“Well what would you call a device that actually removed the only ponies and draconequus that could do something about the problems it caused?” Fair point. Alright, Equestria’s plot device it is. I hate plot devices, they’re overrated. “All jokes aside though, we have things to talk about, don’t we.” All I did was give him a polite nod with a charming smile.

My hoof went straight into my saddle bags, pulling out the schematics for the Alicorn Sphere along with a quill. I scribbled a few notes down next to some of the more intriguing parts of the device. It wasn’t much, but I think Discord would find the notes helpful. I telekinetically floated the plans over to him. “Well if you’ve been eavesdropping on me then you know why I’m here.” Discord reached into his ear and retrieved a pair of reading glasses. It didn’t take long for my eyes to widen at the sight. He answered my statement with a hum. “My original plan was to give these to you so we could make another Alicorn Sphere that could reverse everything the original one did, but there’s a problem. Bolt Action.” Discord held up his lion’s paw, his eyes still reading the plans.

Bolt Action more than likely has the original Alicorn Sphere in his possession which makes my schematics useless since making another one would only put Equestria in twice the danger. The only feasible plan I can see is to get my hooves on the Alicorn Sphere and reverse engineer it right at that moment. Use it. And hope that the resulting shockwave purifies Equestria.

Discord hummed several times. His tail twitched like an agitated cat several times. “Yes, yes I know. Bolt Action found the map his ancestors left behind in order to find the original sphere.” He paused. Lowering the map down, Discord looked me straight in the eyes. I couldn’t see his, but I knew he could see mine. “I can’t be the one to get the sphere. My magic is only strong enough to do this job, which means I am forever bound to this throne. There is another pony,” he spoke softly.

“No. Bolt Action killed hundreds of innocent people when he attacked District Twelve.” My chest puffed in and out while I gritted my teeth together thinking about what he did. No matter how much I disliked that place I can’t sit around knowing that son of bitch did what he did. Not only did he slaughter a lot of innocence, but he also got away with his map like it was a reward for everything he had done. “That stallion needs to pay. I want to be the one that gives him what he gave,” because you get what you give in this world.

Discord, while the complete polar opposite of Celestia, was showing me that he was just as wise as the sun goddess was. In fact, he looked more like the goddesses now than in any of the stories I had read about him prior to being turned to stone. “I have no objections to that, so long as you are doing it for the right reasons.” I paused thinking about the reasons I was willing to go hoof to hoof with this bastard. He was smarter than me, probably more experience in combat, could easily outwit me, but that didn’t mean anything to me. With the right team I was able to get around the impossible. Even if I was not the one leading the team.

I slowly nodded. “I’m doing this for Equestria, especially for Twilight Sparkle. I … saw how broken-hearted she was over her attempts to free Celestia,” she deserves to have someone try to solve the problem she didn’t have all the variables to. From where Discord and I were sitting, we had all the variables and saw a solution. “After everything my friend put Bolt Action through, he won’t hide or run from me. In fact when he gets what he wants I can guarantee you he will come after my family,” because he doesn’t like to lose. Not when he’s so close to getting what he wants.

There was a long dreadfully silent pause between us. The air around me started to feel sticky, thick, in fact my saddle bags felt like a good quality gum stuck to my coat. Discord started to clear his throat but ended up hacking up a coughing. It lasted for a good minute. “Then it looks like you’re the stallion for the job, but this seems like an awfully big job that your average heist planner won’t be able to work around without a team.” That got a laugh out of me.

“I’ve already got a team,” I said brimming full of confidence.

With a snap of his fingers, Discord conjured up a plush doll of Daring Adventure. I stared at it for several minutes not moving. Sometime during our silence I heard Discord ask if I had anypony else in mind for this so called team. “I have two X factors,” I responded in a kind gentle tone. There was a chance this team in mind wouldn’t even agree to helping me, but I knew there was one mare I could go to for a job like this. Sadly she was nowhere to be found. “Seeing as how this plan of mine will more than likely end with me being shot you can keep those schematics. They might come in handy if things go wrong.”

“Runner, before you go I have something to show you, once you see them I want you to think long and hard about your answer to the question that follows.” That didn’t sound cryptic at all. It really didn’t. Actually it sounded more like he was concerned with something. “Ugh, all this seriousness is starting to bore me. Care to play a game of pin the tail on the pony?” He held up a brown tail that did not look like a comic prop. I slowly looked at my flank.

My tail was gone!

“HEY!”

Discord snapped is claws. A burning tingling sensation ran up through my flank making me want to find the nearest watering hole to stick half my body inside of it. I squeezed my eyes shut feeling something swish back and forth near my flank. Opening my eyes, I took a peek at my flank to see my tail had grown back. Ugh, never again. I’d go on a roller coaster to avoid feeling my tail grow back. “My bad,” he said with a devious laugh. I couldn’t help but chuckle at that. This guy’s a riot.

“Alright, come on Discord let’s keep it together a little bit longer,” I said between a few laughs. My comedic acquaintance reached into a bag he conjured up that very second, his claws bumped around inside making random sounds that I never thought I’d hear from a bag.

Another loud squawk came from the bag before Discord’s claw pulled out several memory jewels. Throwing them in front of me he leaned back in his throne letting his eyes snap shut. “Well, go on.” My horn lit up focusing my magic on one of the jewels. The world ripped away.

*** ***

A cool gust of wind blew my mane around gently, the sweet scent of a pine forest caught my nose’s attention. One look to my left gave me all the answers I needed. Fluttershy ran a hoof through her mane while she carefully unrolled a map with thirteen circles marked in precise places. A sweet lovable bunny jumped up onto the stone railing with his tail very nicely puffed up.

His foot thumped the map. Fluttershy smiled with a polite hum. “Angel, could you please go get Twilight for me?” Said bunny thumped the map again. I took a split moment to look at the title on the map. Instead of it saying Equestria it read District Safe Zones. “Oh no, Angel I couldn’t do that.” With a glance at the map I tried figuring out what the bunny wanted.

I spoke to the pony that couldn’t hear me, “What does he want, a monument built to the skies with his name plastered all over in his honor?”

Angel jumped onto Fluttershy’s back, promptly digging into her saddle bags searching for something. His ears popped up out of the bag, one slightly bent. He looked back up holding a red marker in his paws. Jumping back to the stone railing, Angel started marking the map. Several well drawn lines later was all it took for me to figure out it was the shape of Angel’s head.

“Son of a bitch, bunny’s got issues, but style.” Again, I spoke to the mare that couldn’t hear me.

“Angel, this is supposed to help ponies, I can’t built your own personal empire.” I cracked a smile at that. Everything changed the day the bunny rose to power. Somehow I don’t see that as being put in the history books.

Hoofs clip clopped behind me making me turn face the noise. Princess Twilight Sparkle sat down in front of me staring right at Fluttershy. Incredible. It was just incredible. In the time since I had last seen her, Twilight had grown to the size of Princess Luna. Last time she was roughly the size of Princess Cadence. “You wanted to see me Fluttershy?” Before Fluttershy turned to face her, Twilight let out a silent yawn. The bags under her eyes were noticeably gone, but from the way she was acting it looked as if she was ready to keel over.

Twilight’s attention went to the map with Fluttershy’s pet’s head plastered all over it. With one tiny almost unnoticeable spark from the Alicorn’s horn, she made the drawn bunny head disappear. A wave of astonishment washed over me. With a cutie mark that represented magic I couldn’t even begin to imagine all the spells she’s mastered or even created on her own. “Umm,” Fluttershy spoke up, “I was thinking we could maybe start working on these. They’re District Safe Zones designed to keep ponies safe from the infected.” I had to move in closer to Fluttershy in order to catch all of that.

Inching herself closer to the map, Twilight’s eyes scanned over all of the schematics. I turned my attention to it as well making note that a simple look was a good look for a map. I suppose that’s Rarity’s influence. Twilight’s eyes lit up. “Fluttershy … this is amazing … if we get to work on this now then we can even use them as havens before sending out more squads to expand our territory.” Her wisdom knows no bounds. I admire that.

“And I want to take a look back into immunization shots for the infected disease,” she practically spat out in panic of having her request turned down. “I know we haven’t had a break through, but they’re still living ponies.”

I shook my head not understanding why she would even make that request. There isn’t a cure.

Twilight gave her kind friend the most heartwarming smile I had ever seen. Matter of fact I felt like my mood was brightening up. “If you believe we can find a cure then I want you in charge of the operation.” Fluttershy was left speechless. No words came out of her mouth, at least I don’t think there were. There could have been a ‘thank you’ but I can’t seem to hear her all that well.

Twilight looked at the dark sky still smiling. It almost looked like she was at peace. “I’ll help you find a cure once I retire from the force. Then we can get the Districts up and running.”

The world ripped away from me while simultaneously slapping me with a cold bitter hoof of realization.

*** ***

“Fluttershy’s the reason hundreds of ponies were stuck in that,” my mouth zip closed. Literally. I ran a hoof over my zipped lips angrily trying to shout all the known curse words plus some creative ones I’m sure would make Lord Tirek smile with admiration.

Discord just sat there on his thrown, cleaning his hoof with some tool I didn’t even know the name of. Patiently, he waited for me to finish the tantrum I was throwing over what I had seen. “I’m not very fond of that kind of language,” Discord intoned. I slammed my hooves down on the ground, finally ending my long and very colorful yet strangely silent storm of rage. I felt better though!

The zipper on my mouth poofed away freeing my mouth to say whatever it damn well pleased. Words didn’t come out though. It was as if I had gotten every little bit of blistering fury out. “Oh how I miss those six, they were my closest friends you know.”

I smiled. My closest friends are more than friends, they’re family. I focused my magic on the next jewel.

*** ***

Mixed in with a crowd of ponies, I prepared myself for the most uncomfortable stomach turn of my life. We stood on top of a puffy cloud that was notably moving at an alarmingly fast pace. Rainbow Dash sat near the edge, checking her pistols, reloading them and strapping grenades to a belt that could wrap around her entire body. Cautiously weaving around the army of pegasi, I noticed Applejack standing in front of everypony with a pair of horseshoes on like the ones I was given. “Alright everypony, it’s time to go big or go home. Those Fireflies have declared war on us now let’s get down there and show em Eqeustria isn’t some feral wasteland!” The army cheered holding up their rifles.

Rainbow Dash flew over to the country mare, scooping her up and dive bombed straight towards an unfinished university that had several dozen buildings set ablaze. The rest of the army took to the skies for a brief moment before following their orders.

“I can’t … I can’t fly. What kind of a memory is this,” I said to no pony.

Everything around me blurred together like a horror movie being fast forward through a slaughter fest to avoid being seen by a scared foal. In the following moment everything snapped back to how a normal memory jewel felt like.

I was put smack dab in the center of a battle between armored ponies wielding assault rifles and the Equestrian army. Several buildings exploded toppling down to the ground sending up clouds of dust. Rainbow Dash rolled past me with a large red blotch on her stomach. Throwing a familiar throwing knife out from her stomach, she looked up, then ducked down while Gilda swooped down trying to impale her with razor sharp claws.

Applejack jumped up, using an overturned vending machine as a boost, and clamped down as tight as she could on the griffon. They came to a crashing halt near a half crumbled building. Gilda bucked Applejack back while throwing something down on the ground. With a mighty push against the ground the griffon busted through a window while a pony shouted out, “Grenade!” In self-defense my horn lit up creating a needless protection spell. Bombastic sounds mixed with irritating bright lights went up in front of me nearly making me feel like I was being caught in the shock itself.

Smoke was sent up in droves forcing me to slide into the only spell I knew that could let me see the world. Everything became transparent, allowing me to see even Gilda who was running up a set of stairs to a brief case on an upper floor. I galloped into the building letting down my spell. Somewhere in the explosion, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were most likely still trying to get their bearings. Turning a corner I came face to face with said mares while they bashed a window in before diving through it. Violent light mixed together with even more pompous sound ripped the entire door frame apart sending the second story toppling down in front of every entrance to the outside world.

I took cover behind the wall only peeking around the corner to see if the mares were still intact. Rainbow Dash pushed herself up using her wing to brush some debris off of Applejack. “Come on, we’ll try through the roof,” Applejack frantically spoke up pushing herself up right. Both mares galloped into the hallway I was in, heading straight for a staircase. Galloping after them we made it to the fourth floor.

BAM!

All three of us slid to a stop seeing a hole punch through the floor in front of us. Rainbow Dash chunked a grenade at the broken panels in the ceiling forcing the hidden sniper to dive down into one of the rooms. Debris came crashing down on top of everything in sight while the two mares dove under a miss placed table propping a door open. Smoke rose up forcing me to slide into my transparency spell. First thing I saw was Gilda rolling out from cover aiming to reach the roof.

Rainbow Dash stumbled out from under the table with blood trailing down her head. Several loud pants escaped from her mouth before she galloped off after her former friend. Following after her, I took a quick peek back at the table noticing Applejack was stuck under an overturned bookcase. As we galloped up to the fifth floor, Rainbow Dash scooped up the sniper rifle. A throwing knife had lodged itself inside the firearm making it absolutely useless.

The rifle was immediately ditched as Rainbow Dash turned her attention to Gilda who was waiting at the other end of the hall. Running her sharp claws along the floorboards Gilda stared Rainbow Dash down. Rainbow Dash lowered herself to the ground scrapping the ground with her hoof. A grenade exploded close to the building, the smoke rose up next to the windows while they all rattled together.

Rainbow Dash galloped off at full speed, her eyes locked dead with her target charging with just as much speed. It didn’t take one of them going through me to feel all the rage they were feeling, venting, to one another. Taking off from the ground, Rainbow Dash flung both her fore hooves forward prepared to ram Gilda with every ounce of strength she could muster up. Gilda planted her claws firmly against the ground, coming to a stop and ducking right under Rainbow Dash. The griffon rose up, impaling her claws right into Dash’s stomach. The pegasus was slammed right into wall with Gilda’s beak not even an inch from Rainbow Dash’s face.

“You thought I was going to fight fair,” she said gruffly, “big mistake.”

“No it isn’t a fair fight,” Applejack spat back, charging full force into the griffon and knocking her into a small table. Both mares stood up, pushing the table into Gilda. Her back paws shot out, pushing off against the wall behind her before summersaulting over the table dropping both paws down on the mare’s shoulders. Both of them cried out in pain. Applejack bit down on her friend’s mane before dragging her outside onto the fire escape.

I followed after them while they pulled the door shut. “What the hell AJ? We could have taken her,” the pegasus said between frantic pants. Looking over Dash carefully, I could see something was missing. Her grenade belt.

There was a grin on Applejack’s face while she counted down quietly. Every window near our vicinity exploded with fire going everywhere, the door behind us budging a little with the force behind it. “Ah left our friend a lil present.” The country mare pulled her hat down. I took a seat next to them while a blur flew past us. It wasn’t pegasus shaped. “An’ that would be Gilda?”

Rainbow Dash nodded cursing several times over. Both mares got up, kicking their injuries to the curb with several bandage rags, and galloped down the fire escape all the way down to the ground. By the time I got there the building began shaking as if an earthquake was going on. All three of us started looking around until our gazes fell on an unearthly green glow. I went straight into my transparency spell. Through the building I could see a large dam had given way to deadly toxin that was now spilling over into the area.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Rainbow Dash slid under Applejack, lifting her straight up. “Hold on AJ, things are going to get bumpy!” The mare galloped in the opposite direction while several large cranes collapsed down onto a few buildings. A wreaking ball swung in our direction nearly hitting us in the flank. With a mighty heave Rainbow Dash punched herself off of the ground, colors exploding behind her with a rainbow trail following shortly after.

I came to a stop. “Okay, I can’t do that.” As I said this the memory jewels magic kicked up again, fast forwarding everything around me several moments.

Everything slowed down to just after Rainbow Dash performed her … I think it was called … a Sonic Rainboom. The fast forward put me on top of a cloud just as the two mares landed on top of it. Their army was split on several other dark clouds around the area. “Twilight ain’t gonna be happy ‘bout this.” Rainbow Dash and I nodded together just before the world ripped away from me.

*** ***

There was no gasp for air upon my return to present day. I just stared down at the ground silently going over what I had witnessed. There was one more jewel sitting in front of me. It was a pink balloon. Slowly looking up at Discord I could see his eyes were still closed.

I focused my magic on the jewel, feeling everything rip away from me again.

*** ***

Several animatronics lay on the ground in front of me while a pink mare with an equally pink poofy mane stared at her reflection. It was strange though. The mare inside the mirror wasn’t Pinkie Pie. Her mane was lying flat almost as if Pinkie Pie’s mane just up and exploded on her leaving behind a droopy mane style. Pinkie’s ears fluttered, her legs jiggled followed by her tail swishing around. “Oh. No, no, no that combo means there’s a spy in our midst. The combo you’re thinking off means there’s a party going on. Although no pony would be having a party right now since those rotten infected ruined everything!”

I swear to Celestia there is no spy around here! I slid in and out of my transparency spell noticing nothing but infected running around what looked like a carnival ground. Taking a peek out the window I could see a roller coaster with no pony in it. The sign said it was the Pinkie Party Ride. My heart began beating faster. Memories came flooding back to me. “This is … that carnival.”

“Where are you spy? I heard you!” Pinkie Pie called out looking around the room for the spy that wasn’t anywhere to be seen.

The reflection looked in my direction. “You’re such a selfish party pony. Who would ever want to party in a dump like this with infected running around the place.”

“Well screw you to,” I found myself saying to the reflection. Without so much as a second thought, I began walking around the room looking for something that might tell me when this memory took place.

“It’d be the only action you got in a long time.”

I stopped.

Pinkie Pie looked around trying not to laugh. “You told the spy!” I moved closer to Pinkie Pie, staring an inch away from her eyes wondering if she could see me. Waving my hoof in front of her face I waited for a blink or movement.

Let me get this straight. That wasn’t Pinkie Pie saying that. I swallowed slowly.

“Let you get what straight? If you haven’t noticed this mare makes no sense,” the reflection spoke. At. Me!

“Yes I’m speaking to you. Who did you expect? Little miss party planner over there.”

Okay, let’s get one thing straight.

“Let’s not and say we did.”

Pinkie Pie rolled around on the ground laughing her flank off at the conversation I had no idea she could hear or … this memory is confusing as shit! I mean seriously, I am having a conversation with a reflection. Which doesn’t even make any sense! Come on, Runner you’re more sane than this. What kind of sick form of a basic joke is this?

“You’re the only basic joke here. And who can’t even protect his friends?”

I walked right up to the mirror. Looked that son of bitch right in the eyes. This was to the bitch in the mirror, not to Pinkie Pie. The latter was a fun loving mare that was doing a damn good job trying to boost the morale of every pony around after the events of the Alicorn Sphere. This pony was being a jackass. “You’re right, I can’t protect my friends. You forgot one thing though.” The reflection tilted her head. “I don’t have friends. I’ve got family.”

I turned away looking straight at a rubber chicken Pinkie Pie was playing with. “At least I ain’t boneless.” The world ripped away.

*** ***

“What the,” my mouth zipped shut. There wasn’t even time for a gaps of air.

Discord tapped his claw impatiently at me knowing full well what I was about to say. Attempting to clear my throat, which was impossible at the moment, I instead rolled me eyes. “Are you going to get revenge by killing Bolt Action?” The question hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s what I wanted. I wanted to take another stallions life on purpose. There were plenty of reasons to go through with that plan.

I thought about everything I had been through. Everything. There was something about myself that I had realized. If given the choice I would avoid conflict. Stealth was my best friend in heists. I picked my next words carefully. “If getting revenge means stopping Bolt Action, I’ll stop him with the plan we discussed. In the event he gives me no other choice, I will put him down,” I said firmly and without question. It was not up for debate.

Nodding his head politely, Discord seemed to be fine with my decision. He knew that I knew the significance of taking another ponies life on purpose and not in self-defense. This stallion though, this stallion needed to have something done to him. Whether that was to face death or not wasn’t up to me, but so help me if I was given the chance I would take the shot and cross that sharks path with everything I’ve got.

“Before you go, I want you to know something.” Discord spoke softly. I nodded ready to hear what he had to say. “Like me, Princess Twilight outlived her friends.” My eyes widened. Those were her best friends though. To live longer than your best friends would mean heartache on an unimaginable scale. “The Alicorn Sphere’s shock wave affected her in a unique way. It prolonged her life.” I could feel my blood boiling. It was ready to burst. Questions ran through my head about if I should deliberately put Bolt Action down. “I ask you again, what are you prepared to do.”

I thought about this long and hard. Could I pull the trigger? After everything I went through I believe I would. “Same thing as before, but Discord you should know that I want it to get bloody.” Discord listened carefully to what I was saying, but said nothing in return. We both knew that he put a choice on the table for me and when the time came I would make the call whether to kill a pony for revenge or not.

Turning towards the door, I was ready to finish what was started by my friend. Discord whistled. I turn faced him. “A word to the wise. Bolt Action will have an army of Reapers. The Fireflies, what’s left of them, will want the device as well. You’ll be taking on a lot of them so be careful.” I smiled with a polite nod. It was weird, but part of me felt like I might not even make it back alive. That’d be fine with me. “Use the side entrance.” Discord snapped his fingers making a small portal open. I walked through it.

And fell.

I hit the ground with a loud smack. Slowly standing up I pictured where the portal was, then questioned why it just dropped me. “Ugh, don’t question it Runner, its Discord.” I laughed.

Peace Within

Chapter Twenty Four: Peace Within

Not too long after I galloped away from the library did it start pouring like Rainbow Falls. Shortly after being soaked to the bone I forged a half protection spell over my entire body. Fortunately my saddle bags protected everything inside from getting soaked.

“By the time this weather is fixed I’ll be a master at this spell, or you know, a master of making umbrellas out of spells.”

I passed by another stallion with an umbrella saddle on. His attention was focused on some coffee shop giving me time to take a glance at his watch. Somehow I had spent the entire day with Discord. Picking up my pace a bit, I kept galloping until my hooves finally touched down at Diesel Fuel’s home.

Slowly walking up the wooden steps in the back I nudged open the door letting my protection spell vanish at the steps. The kitchen was dark, almost completely dead silent aside from an announcer’s voice coming from the TV in the living room. “Hello, anypony home?” I said to no pony specifically. Something made the couch squeak. Some of my attention was spared at the noise while I grabbed a Pegasus Breed from the fridge.

Popping the cap off, I took a few steps into the living room having my attention drawn to a race on TV. Several gliders went by the camera while the pictures of the fliers were displayed showing their position. Candle Light’s soft voice spoke up to me, “You’ve been gone a while.” My gaze went up to the clock mounted above the television. The logic of spending the entire day at the library didn’t make much sense to me, I could do that with gliders, but with books it was an entirely different story. “Where’ve you been stranger?”

“Reading,” I replied a little too bluntly, “and getting these.”

I held up the bag of bits Page Turner had given me in exchange for that rare comic. Sadly, I don’t remember seeing any new comics, but that also meant I got to keep my bits. Silver lining at least. “It’s not fun being broke is it,” she asked with chuckle. I shook my head taking a drink from my levitating Pegasus Breed. With a slight sigh, Candle Light got up, pulling me away from the living room. “Come on, it’s getting late and I’m hungry.” Food. That sounded good!

“You’re paying right?” We both started laughing while stepping out from the house.

*** ***

Zebra music.

All I’ve heard since I was born was hip hop, rap and the occasional symphony. Keep in mind that I prefer the first style of music to anything else, but zebra music. It had a completely different feel to it. According to Candle Light this was a place that Vin had recommended to her a while back.

Around our table were masks, trinkets and other décor from the zebra homeland. It. Was. Beautiful. The punch here, which was mixed with some other top dollar drinks, was tasty as well. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” I said setting my wine glass down. With a look of curiosity on her face, Candle Light hummed signaling me to continue. “So how does O’Conner fit into all this?” As if on que the entire atmosphere around me went from energetic to tense.

There was a very low sigh from Candle Light that sounded as tense as the air around us. Picking up her wine glass, she took a drink, set it down and lightly tapped her hoof against the table. Gently letting her hoof stay put on the table, Candle Light took in a slow almost depressed breath. “Well there’s a lot of history there.” She said looking at me with a bit of hurt in her eyes. It wasn’t from me though. I knew that for a fact.

I hummed to myself. “I’ve got time,” I told her with a calm and understanding tone. If she didn’t want to talk about it I wouldn’t push any further than I already have.

Candle Light kept quiet staring at her wine glass most likely mulling over how to phrase her story. I started to question if Glider had even mentioned to Candle that the Eclipse I bought was from O’Conner. Should I mention that to her? “Last year the owner over at Always Evolving hired a new stallion. A couple of weeks past and during that time O’Conner would stop by every day for a tuna fish sandwich.” My eyes widened at the very thought of her serving me another tuna sandwich. The insides of my stomach were screaming at me not to go down that road again. “One day, Vin decided that he had enough of him coming around and they started beating each other to a pulp. My brother stepped in, tore O’Conner away from Vin, they went back and forth a few times before my brother fired him from Always Evolving.”

Wait. Step on the brakes there. Diesel Fuel fired O’Conner from a store he didn’t even own. That’s kinda cool.

Candle Light started chuckling at the thought of something else. Taking another sip from her wine glass she set it down and nickered. “That same night O’Conner threw down a pink slip wanting to take my brothers money and some respect.” I scoffed at the last part. “To some ponies that’s more important.” I replied with a silent nod. No pun intended, but I can respect that. “O’Conner lost, but not by much. Sometime during that night his glider was totaled, but since my brother hadn’t received it yet O’Conner still owed him a ten-second glider.”

Och.

I shook my head understanding the problem with owing a pony a ten-second glider without even having another one to use. My situation is a bit better than his honestly. At least I had two gliders that could be fixed up. “Come to find out, O’Conner was an undercover cop working with the E.B.I trying to get enough evidence to bust my brother for hijackings across Equestria.” Candle Light paused. Whatever was going on in her head was heart aching. She finished off her wine, immediately ordering another glass afterwards. “Soon after that O’Conner had my brother at gun point just before the gun fire started.”

Before I had the chance to ask, Candle Light held up her hoof. “The gun fire was from someone that had a falling out with my brother. It wasn’t from O’Conner’s gun.” I found myself letting out a sigh of relief. “There’s only one event I wasn’t there to see, but from what my brother tells me,” she stopped. Thinking. Trying to figure out something. “My brother tells me O’Conner gave him the keys to his Supra Mark IV.” The waiter brought another glass of wine to the table.

“Just let him go?”

Candle Light drank from her glass going over the events that had happened back then. This was good to know. Learning about the history of this family felt good. Even if the history wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. “Just so we’re clear, that glider I bought,” I started saying.

“Was from O’Conner, I know.” I was completely caught off guard. There wasn’t any real response ready for that. “I recognized the eagles on the wingspan, sure I’m not the only one that did.” I nodded cautiously. There was a question running through my head, but I couldn’t get the nerve to ask. “Listen, Runner if you want to hang out with O’Conner then go ahead, we’re not going to stop you or think less of you. Just don’t bring him near our home.” She took a long drink from her glass, when she set it back down half of it was gone. Hearing her call it our home was nice. Actually, if I tried to think of a place that felt like home right now, I would picture that house.

I feel better now. At least I know they won’t treat me differently for being near O’Conner. “Hey,” Candle Light looked up at me, “you want to go work on your glider?” I smiled.

*** ***

With a mighty heave and a ton of magic working with me, I lifted up the Eclipse onto O’Conner’s flatbed. Seeing as my other options for fixing it up were off doing some delivery there was only one other mechanic around that could help me out. Candle Light was a great mechanic, but she just didn’t have the touch I was looking for. It didn’t help that the engine needed a few pistons to replace the ones I fried. That was where Candle Light’s area of expertise ended, mostly because we didn’t have the money to replace them.

“Alright, let’s go see if that offer is available,” I said just as I pulled the flatbed out.

The downside was that O’Conner might not be able to help me either. Unless of course we could find another engine to strip down. Cannibalize it for the parts I needed. Where could I find another engine though? A junk yard would be ideal, but that would be hours of searching that could be better spent fixing my engine up instead.

Replacing the engine with my Mustang’s isn’t ideal. In fact that’s a bad idea for any race longer than a drag. Then my only other option would be to find another import with my kind of engine.

I pulled into O’Conner’s driveway, unhitching the flatbed after backing it near the open garage. As with all the other times, the moment I set hoof inside his garage my gaze, coupled with my undivided attention, was drawn straight to the beautiful Supra Mark IV. The hood was popped open while an earth pony reached down inside with a wrench. I slid into my transparency spell.

“Celestia that engine is nearly fully tuned to perfection,” I found myself saying out loud. My spell stopped the moment O’Conner looked up at me with his trademark smile.

“What’s happening, dude.” He reached a hoof out to me. I shook it, moving over to an open space to get a better look at the engine.

It was absolutely beautiful. There was nothing more that could really be done to it. Twin turbo with a two stage nitrous system that had just the right amount of juice to pump into the engine. “Yeah, I was just stopping by to see if that wrench-time offer was still available.” O’Conner nodded while he closed the hood down.

We trotted over to the flatbed climbing right up to the Eclipse. The hood popped off right away giving both of us a glimpse at the job Candle Light and I did the night before. It was good, but not good enough for a race. “Good cause, ah, I really need the help,” I said with a sheepish grin.

O’Conner was shocked to say the least. His eyes went back and forth looking over every inch of the damage I had done. He could at least tell it was fixable, but it just wasn’t quite where it needed to be. “You had enough NOS in here to blow yourself up. Period. What the hell were you doing with that much spray?” He looked right at my eyes. I couldn’t bullshit him. At least I don’t think I can.

I turn faced the other way not wanting to say what I was up to right in front of a cop. Clearing my throat I slowly turned back to him, “street racing.”

“Didn’t quite catch that?”

“I was street racing in Fillydelphia,” I said rather too quickly.

O’Conner only gave me a smile that told me he knew exactly what I had been up to. There was no need to ask me, he knew. Although part of him just wanted to get to me. “This is nothing to a glider enthusiast and soon to be great mechanic.” His optimism was contagious. I was ready for this shit. Then I looked back at the engine having second thoughts. “How soon do you need the engine?”

That was a good question. So far I’d only been sitting around trying to come up with ways to track down Bolt Action. That problem didn’t seem like it would be too much of a problem now. Going off of what I know, he will more than likely use what he has to draw out his enemies in one place to wipe them out. Now it was just a matter of waiting for an announcement. “Glider mentioned something called the Cannonball Run. That mean anything to you?” His smile faded faster than his Supra Mark IV could run.

I didn’t like that look on his face. He knew something I didn’t. “You might want to rethink entering that race.” That shot my confidence down a little. Maybe, just maybe my Mustang could … no. It still needs a few more days of work. “It’s in a couple of days, not enough time for us to get another glider. Unless you know of a place we can get another engine for some spare parts.” He looked back at the engine. “Yeah, that’s all we really need. I’d offer some parts, but I sold you all of my gliders.” I thought so. That wasn’t really what I wanted to hear.

This was it then. There was no way I could buy another glider without getting more money, but even then finding a pony selling a decent glider with the parts I needed would take some time to track. There’s got to be a place I’ve been to that … no. No. It would work, but. “I know just where to get one, but I’m going to need your help.” O’Conner looked up at me noting that sounded a little cryptic. I nickered in agreement. “You feel like going to the carnival?”

“I’m flying,” O’Conner asserted galloping off to grab his keys.

*** ***

Pinkie Pie’s Fun Time Party ... Pinkie Pie’s carnival. To the guy or gal that named this place, you deserve a right good buck in the flank for giving this place such a complicated name.

It was still a dump. The fence that I once trotted past with my best friend now sat ajar almost to the point of falling apart. Mounted to the entrance were buzzing lights that looked to have been powered on after I used the generator to fix the coaster. Everything inside the fenced area was still a load of crap.

I rested a hoof on the fence bringing another one to cover my eyes. This place. This place is a complete horror show for my head. Memories from the last time I was hear came flooding back. Being able to make it out with my life the first time was nothing short of a miracle. O’Conner verbalized my own question. “Hey, you okay?”

Was I okay? There was no straight forward answer to that question. At least not while I was in this place. “I didn’t even burry her body,” I muttered almost quietly enough for no pony else to hear. A hoof was placed on my shoulder.

My head turned just enough so I could see O’Conner with one eye. “Hey bud, listen if you need to talk about this I’m all ears.” No words could describe how nice that sounded. This stallion hardly knows me, yet he still offers to listen to my problems.

“Just give me a minute.” I inhaled a long deep breath, prepping myself for the storm that was about to hit me if I allowed it to hurt me. All of those feelings of anguish and melancholy. Agony. Bitterness. I have moved on from them. Silver Shoe wouldn’t want me kicking myself over this for the rest of my life. I exhaled slowly.

Silver Shoe, if you can hear this … thank you for helping me find our family. They say to live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die. Well you won’t ever die, because you will always be with me and Glider. I’ll tell you all about this when I see you again. I sure am going to miss you.

Setting both hooves firmly on the ground, I moved into the fenced area, O’Conner keeping pace right next to me. A ping pong ball rolled out in front of me, wind brushing my mane around. “Hey, just a heads up. Last time I was here, there was a horde of infected coming this way.” In retrospect that might have been better stated sooner. O’Conner didn’t seem to mind. He was ready to do whatever it is he does if things went south of the Badlands.

We found the shed with all the circuit breakers relatively fast, best part was the door had been locked which put my hopes up even more. With as much focus as I could muster up, I ripped the door off with my magic. “It’s not here.”

O’Conner looked at me in surprise. “Not here? Wouldn’t you mean it’s not here?”

“I mean it’s gone.” I spat back looking at all the cables that were left lying on the ground. My last chance of getting an engine and possibly earning more money was shot out of the sky. Loud rattling sounds made my ear twitch. Slowly peaking my head out the shed, my “Crap” came simultaneous to O’Conner’s “Shit.”

Infected screamed out, biting and scratching the fence with their sights all locked on the two of us. To many of them for us to stop with nine millimeter pistols. O’Conner whistled at me. “Hey, we need move.” My head frantically looked around for places to hide in. None were ideal for avoiding this many infected.

I mused over every little nook and cranny in this place. One place did come to mind. “We’re going,” I ordered while we both broke into a sprint for one of the buildings close to the hall of mirrors. Before O’Conner could ask where we were going, I shouted to him, “Anywhere but here!”

“AREGH! AREGH! AREGH!”

“AREGH! AREGH! AREGH!”

Clickers galloped through a hole in the fence while the other infected tore most of the chain link down pursuing us. Their teeth were practically dripping drool on my flank from how close they were getting. One of those sick creatures dove towards me, O’Conner came to a halt sending three bullets into the Clicker’s head. He turn tailed and caught right back up to me just before I bucked open a door to one of the buildings.

O’Conner bucked the door shut while my magic threw a large machine in front of it keeping us safe for the time being. Before either one of us had the idea to say something, we got behind another machine, pushing it in front of a hallway leading to the back door. Upon moving the hunk of metal out of the way, we saw it. “That’s the engine!” I exclaimed almost with a laugh.

We started looking it over before noticing there were more than enough parts to replace the ones I fried in the Eclipse. My hoof tapped the ground while I began trying to figure a way out of here. “Alright, we need to see about using the fire escape or maybe the air ducts.” A loud ear shattering metal bang caught our attentions. The machine barricading the front door budged, infected of all kind clawing their way in, some even having their limbs crushed. O’Conner faced the other barricade, both of us managing to catch a glimpse of a griffon bloater’s slimy fungus covered claws scratching the machine like a dog trapped in a kennel.

“Come on, we’re going up!” O’Conner ordered while I wrapped a levitation field around my newly acquired engine. Our hooves clip clopped like fireworks against the staircase, each step exploding even louder than the last one. Machines clanking against each other tore my attention away from the stairs, I had to look over the edge. The sight of infected, clickers and a bloater burned into my head like a nightmare, seeing all of them pile into the building’s ground floor. Their attention went straight to us.

Pain shot through my head in my attempt to levitate my pistol up. Leaning against the fourth floor stairs, O’Conner unloaded his clip while I frantically struggled to gallop up the third flight of stairs. Putting as much force as I could into my magic, which wasn’t a considerable amount, I flung the engine up to the fifth floor before unwrapping my magic from it. Immediately exchanging the engine for my pistol, I followed O’Conner’s example, unloading every bullet my nine millimeter had inside of its clip. Several infected took the hits, but none of them dropped.

My pistol retreated back into its holster, my magic swapping back to the engine that was hurdling towards the third flight of stairs. With a large jolt, my body moved forward trying to keep the engine in my levitation field. An infected dove at me just as a bullet went through its head. My eyes clamped shut, each of my hooves taking a slow step forward in time to my engine slowly rising back up. “Is it just me,” O’Conner called down,” or are these things getting harder to kill?”

“I was thinking the same thing.” I wheezed out between large gasps for air.

Once all four of my hooves reached the fourth floor, O’Conner and I galloped for the next set. Hordes of desks piled on top of each other forced us to turn towards a hallway to our right. Weaving through the junk left behind we came to a locked door. My hoof jiggled the door handle several times. O’Conner reloaded his pistol, bucking a nearby desk against a few others to form a small barricade. “Get it open. Now!” My hoof scooped up a bobby pin and screw driver.

Okay, we can do this. How do I do this?

I went to work trying to pry the lock open. If Silver Shoe can do it, why couldn’t I? The bobby pin broke. With a groan I picked up another one lying near me. O’Conner’s gunshots rang through my ear, it didn’t help that the infected’s screaming was giving me a headache. “Screw this, I’m not a bucking toaster repair pony!”

“What?” O’Conner shouted back at me.

The engine flew forward, smashing a large gaping hole in the door. I turned back, bit down on my friend’s mane, then pulled him through the door. My engine was put to the side while my magic pulled the desk barricade back into the door frame keeping our unwanted guests out for the next couple of minutes. Loud screams mixed with crunching wood kept part of my attention while I focused on what to do next.

Stacks of bookcases and other material were blocking our way down the stairs. There was a staircase going up to the next floor. With a nicker I galloped off with the engine in tow. “There, come on, let’s go,” I muttered to O’Conner while we frantically put more distance away from the barricade.

Several doors later, we became trapped inside of an office using all of the left over junk to keep the door shut. Now it was just a waiting game. At some point the infected would fall asleep and we could escape. On paper it sounded like a great plan, but in reality this was going to take forever.

I paced around the room looking for supplies, refusing to give up on escaping. This wasn’t the best place to be, but I’ll enjoy this breather while I’ve got it. My engine was put to the side. “Any bite marks?” I asked curiously once I realized my back had been turned to my friend for a good minute or so. O’Conner shook his head, doing a few turns to show me he was bite free. “Same here.” Taking a seat on my haunches, I scratched the back of my head.

From what I gathered on the way over here the fire escape was on the other side of the building. On our side of the building was a steep drop to several large glass shards. Silence fell on us for several minutes. Occasional Clicker noises caught our attention which usually sent a sharp icy cold chill running up my spine. Those sounds were still unnatural. “So how’s Candle Light,” O’Conner commented as if he was still a part of my family.

I cleared my throat. Nickered. “So what kind of a name is O’Conner anyway? It’s not a typical pony name.”

That got O’Conner to chuckle. His hoof traced his pistol before he spoke up. “It’s common for stallions born near Griffonstone to have names like mine. You know O’Brian, O’Riley.” That earned a polite nod from me. While I had been studying Equestria not once had I come across that. He ran a hoof through his mane looking at the window.

“She’s good.”

O’Conner turned his head slightly. There was a small hint of a smile, but it faded in the blink of an eye. I turned to some footlockers on the ground, opening them up to find several empty ammo boxes with two screw drivers. A memory jewel was in one of them, cracks spider webbed all over it to the point it didn’t even show the still. “I heard you used to be a part of my family,” I intoned making O’Conner’s ear twitched. He hummed in response. “Care to tell me about it,” I muttered softly. He declined. “I’m all ears.”

His head slowly turned so he was facing me. There was a grin on his face. “Yeah, yeah I guess I will if you’re willing to listen.” I gave him a warm smile. My horn lit up, bringing over some jacked up fold out chairs. Once we were both as comfortable as we could actually be I was all ears. “Diesel Fuel was a suspect in a long list of hijackings across Equestria so the E.B.I put me undercover promising to help me earn a detective badge if I pulled through for them. Just needed to put him and the hijackings together.” And considering how well Diesel Fuel is at hiding it would stand to reason that he can hide evidence just as well. No wonder he’s the leader of the team. “Last time I saw Diesel Fuel I gave him the keys to my Supra.”

That still didn’t make sense to me. You’re a cop. There’s an oath you swear to that you are obligated to stick by no matter what. Being able to arrest the ponies that do wrong is your job. With that said you can’t go around giving your keys to a suspect. “Why’d you do it?”

“I owed him a ten-second glider.”

There was no waver in his voice. No part that gave any sign he regretted passing those keys to Diesel Fuel. His face didn’t reveal anything about the events prior to me arriving. It almost looked like he didn’t even understand why he did it himself. O’Conner faced me. “The only reason I’m still on the force is because of Princess Luna.” There was a look of skepticism on my face. That can’t be true. “I’m serious. See, Princess Twilight started the program with the idea that ponies deserved a second chance, which was brought about after they originally stopped Nightmare Moon.” My knowledge of the police force was limited by a good margin. Somehow I knew he was right about that. After all he went through a lot trying to get a detective badge. I do, however, know all about Nightmare Moon being turned back into Princess Luna.

With a polite nod, I processed everything he was telling me carefully. What he was saying, it answered a lot of my questions, if not in the way I expected them to be answered. Taking in all this information, I looked up noticing an air duct was out of place. Several screws were still holding the metal in place but only just. My hoof nudged O’Conner. His gaze joined mine while I floated the screw drivers out. “You thinking what I’m thinking?” He only chuckled at me, taking one of the screw drivers with him.

I lit up my horn wrapping O’Conner in a levitation field that slowly lifted him along with my screw driver up to the air duct. Slowly taking out all of the screws holding the duct in place we eventually removed them all allowing it to slide out of place to form a ramp up to the rest of the duct. O’Conner landed on the ground staring at the engine. “How do we get this thing out?” His observation was dually noted ahead of time. The engine was far too large to fit inside of the duct, but that wouldn’t be a problem so long as I could see where I was levitating it.

O’Conner moved quietly over to the door, peering outside after moving our failed attempt at a barricade. With my focus locked solely on the engine I lifted the metal beauty up with my magic, sliding into my transparency spell. “What kind of spell are you using over there?” I gave him a quick explanation moving into the air duct. Once everything was good to go, I called out to O’Conner demanding he open the door right away.

I looked down noticing the door was wide open now. With an incredibly slow exhale, my horn began glowing brighter, moving the engine outside towards a window where the air duct ended. O’Conner rejoined me right away having shut the door again. The walls around me felt like they were beginning to close in. My breath began picking up. I just pushed past the feelings of anxiety.

Anxiety was another problem of mine that needed to be dealt with. I prayed to Celestia my will power would be enough right now to overcome it once and for all. O’Conner gave me a light nudge to ensure I was alright.

With a low inhale, I kept moving, slowly but surely through the tight space. The engine bumped the duct making it groan in protest. My head tore away from the engine looking straight at O’Conner’s ocean blue eyes. His hoof went up signaling me to calm down. At this point I could feel my heart ready to explode like a hundred confetti cannons.

Screams from the infected echoed all around us. Even such a small noise was enough to draw their attention. Incredible. Scary, but incredible all the same. Having finally arrived at the window before us my engine was ready to escape the harsh infected building. My horn engulfed itself in a second, then third, casing of magic doing everything with my magical prowess to lift the window up. It wouldn’t budge. Stupid thing wouldn’t even rattle.

My breathing became short yet heavy pants, my body beginning to feel the full force of using two spells at once. Even with my near mastery of the transparency spell, which only consumed some of my magic now, the weight of the engine combined with the levitation spell was becoming more than I could bare. Glass shattered forcing me to turn my attention from the duct to the window. In my tired state I hadn’t even realized the engine hadn’t stopped moving.

“Alright, now we just need to,” I fell forward.

Both of us let out a yell, well, I yelled while O’Conner threw his hooves up trying to slow himself down. The duct turned into a partial slide at the bottom, throwing both of us outside the building right into a dumpster. O’Conner rolled onto all fours with his trademark smile in full bloom. “Oh shit!” I looked up as he said this, noticing the engine falling down. My horn lit back up catching the hunk of beauty before it could hit the ground. We both let out a sigh of relief.

Infected broke some of the windows reaching out for us with their hooves. Reloading his pistol, O’Conner put the gun in his mouth before galloping off with me to the exit. Behind us, the bloater smashed part of the wall down letting the infected roam after us with the intent to rip our flesh into confetti. Two Clickers stumbled out in front of me, both being taken out by O’Conner’s skillful marksmanship. With the infected hot on our trail, we bolted past the buzzing lights, steering clear of some cable that snapped the moment we galloped under it.

O’Conner slid underneath the Supra, strapping himself in almost completely on instinct alone. I jumped on top his machine making sure to grab the ‘oh shit’ bar hidden in the back. The ajar fence came crashing down near us, startling O’Conner into galloping off right away. My eyes looked straight into his rear view mirrors taking note of all the infected closing in on us. With one swift kick to his gear shifter, O’Conner lifted the glider into the air leaving the infected behind.

My engine was safely in tow behind us, never once losing any altitude from our frantic escape from the slowly disappearing infected. Once we had several good miles between us and the carnival, I could hear O’Conner saying something. “You hear that?”

I held my ears up listening for something. Nothing. Nothing but the sound of a finely tuned engine! “No infected,” O’Conner stated matter-of-factly to me.

No infected.

*** ***

VVVVVVVVVVVRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUM!

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUMM!

VVVVVVVRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMM!

My back hoof pushed the gas pedal down as far as it would go, revving the engine enough to shake several tools scattered around O’Conner’s garage from heaven. I held the pedal down once again, taking in the beautiful hum of my nearly fully tuned engine. O’Conner nudged me taking a few steps back. “YES, YES, YES! GIDDY UP BOY! WOOOOO!” Easing off the gas pedal, I took the key out letting the engine noise die down before we attracted too much attention.

O’Conner picked up a rag, cleaning off his fore hooves with his smile stretching ear to ear. It took us several hours to get it done, but in Celestia’s name it was done. This was what I was looking for. Everything that needed to be done to it was done. No. It wasn’t just done. It was phenomenal. “This one’s for you Rainbow Dash,” I said with a chuckle. O’Conner looked at his poster of that very same mare. He couldn’t stop smiling at it. “When did you become her fan?”

I stepped out from underneath my Eclipse, still grinning at all the work we had done, ready to hear yet another O’Conner story. It was hard to explain, but his stories were always fun to listen to. He looked away still grinning ear to ear. “Ever since I was colt. The only thing that comes close to rivaling how much I admire that mare is my love of the ocean.” My horn lit up, levitating up two ice cold Pegasus Breeds from a cooler. I popped the cap off one of them while leaning against the Eclipse’s spoiler. “You know Rainbow Dash actually broke the wing power record in Equestria. Two hundred wing power without a glider or NOS pills.”

I let out a very low whistle listening to that accomplishment. That was an impressive feat that I knew I would never overcome. There was fast, then there was faster, but Rainbow Dash was the very definition of speed. O’Conner looked out at his Supra parked out in the driveway. “Fastest I’ve ever been is one ninety seven, just under two hundred.” I looked at him impressed. That was something to feel proud of. “It’s all about the setup though, I can break it if I had the right set up, man. With the right amount of skill.” We both took a drink.

After downing half my bottle, I turned my attention back to the Eclipse. Now if I can just keep this machine in working order before the race I’ll be set.  I reached out a hoof to O’Conner, he shook it. “Thanks for all help.” He tipped his Pegasus Breed to me.

“You owe me a race though.” His smile was still there. Edging me on for a race. I’m perfectly fine owing a pony a race. “See you at the Cannonball Run.”

Forgiveness

Chapter Twenty Five: Forgiveness

It had been a good ten minute jog from O’Conner’s place, taking most of the shortcuts, back to the house. At which point I created a larger version of my umbrella protection spell to avoid my glider getting wet from any rain. Thank Celestia it didn’t rain, but once I got home my eyes were practically glued to my wingspan.

Sure O’Conner and I did some good tweaking, but I needed to make sure that everything was in tip top shape. I double. No. Triple checked everything holding the wingspan together. “Try to fall apart now.” I cooed to my machine daring it to try something else before the race. With my eyes glued to the extended wingspan there was a moment where I lost track of how long I had been staring at it.

Going in and out of my transparency spell was now as simple as breathing to me, I loved this spell more than levitation, which truth be told is now my second favorite spell. With just the spark of my horn, now with hardly having to use all my focus, I can execute my spell with a large range. To be fair I only use really long range transparency for combat situations, there’s no need for that kind of range in a town the size this one is.

I crawled on top of the wings, curling up with my eyes locked dead on the wood blocking my view from the kitchen. The clock told me it was early in the morning. And with that, I let me eyes close shut for a little while.

Something crawled on my nose. My hoof gently swatted it away before covering my eyes from the small ray of light breaking through the clouds. The protection spell I had been using was no longer active, which was a surprise.

Candle Light trotted out the door with her saddle bags strapped to her. “Oh hey, look who’s finally up.” There was a brief pause in what she was going to say next, so much so, that she didn’t even bother saying anything about the Eclipse.

“How long was I out,” I asked with a slight stretch.

One sniff of the air told me it wasn’t time to eat yet, which was a bit of a downer since my stomach was empty. The others were notably gone including Diesel Fuel. From the way things had been going since I arrived I put together that he was lying low during the day, or at least up until the late afternoon hours. Candle Light looked at a rather nice watch wrapped around her fore hoof. “It’s almost noon, if you have time, can you run down to Sugar Cube Corner and pick up some groceries. I’ve got somewhere I need to be.”

“Yeah, no problem. Milk, eggs, six pack of Pegasus Breed the usual business?”

Candle Light shot me a brimming smile before trotting down to the sidewalk. I waved her off before heading down to the store.

In all honesty this was becoming routine. Part of me really hopes that some other place I’ve visited isn’t under attack. Truth be told I don’t know how much more of those fights I have left in me especially after that last one. Seriously ponies need a break every once in a while. You can’t just go in guns blazing every day or your life. That stuff will bear down on you.

“Is your friend doing okay?”

Wha … huh. I looked up at the mare spraying the counter down. It took me a minute to process what she had said. “Oh, yeah, yeah, he’s great.” I set down all the stuff my hooves had managed to pick up while my mind was off in its own little world. My hoof rubbed one of my eyes helping me shake off the rest of my grogginess.

The mare finished wiping down her counter then turned her full attention to me. She rang up all the items and I gave her the bits. “Sorry about that whole ordeal, crazy stuff was going down.” There was a light chuckle from her that said she believed it. The windows began to rattle while several loud engines were revved. So loud in fact, that I could have sworn one of the windows was about to crack. I levitated up my groceries before taking a peak out the window.

A smile found its way onto my face.

I galloped outside greeted by a large wagon sitting out in front of the store with what looked like several supply boxes. My gaze went to my groceries. Really. I came all the way down here and Glider comes back here with a wagon full of stuff. Lucky Clover peered around the wagon waving his hoof at me. “Come on, get in!” I did as I was told, taking a giant leap into a free space amongst the supplies.

Lucky galloped forward sending a box of something toppling down on me. My magic imploded letting all the groceries drop. I rolled, catching the two bags and six pack. Thankfully, nothing broke or spilled out. I put the fallen box back in its place while another bump sent what looked like an ammo box toppling down to the six pack.

Oh shit.

I rolled back over to the groceries protecting them with my life. Damn it, I bought these with what little bits I have left. I dare a box to come down and strike them down!

This charade continued for another few minutes, including the parts where I was thrown back and forth. Lucky pulled into the driveway, unhitching the wagon while Glider hitched her 240SX to it. While they were doing that, I climbed out as fast as I could, taking my groceries to the fridge before returning outside. Glider trotted up to the corner keeping her attention on the Eclipse. “We got you some parts for the Eclipse and Mustang. Did you fix this up?”

“I got tired of waiting, had a friend help me fix the engine.” Glider paid close attention to how I uttered the word ‘friend’. That seemed to sit okay with her. I held out a Pegasus Breed for her.

She declined with a shake of her head. “I’ve got a place I need to be.” Her hoof waved up at Luck and Vin while they took off down the street. Another delivery perhaps? “You wanna come with?” Her hoof waved me over to the wagon. We pulled down the back panel, taking one of the boxes in our hooves.

“Sure, but I want to ask you something first.” We pulled the box out, fully engulfed in my magic, and set it down near the picnic table. Actually, it wasn’t a picnic table. It was a plank of wood set on top of old oil barrels. Out of sight from anypony just passing by.

Glider sat down at the table yawning a bit. There was a look of curiosity on her face. I sat down across from her trying to figure out how I wanted to phrase this. After all phrasing questions is important. “When Silver Shoe and I were looking for you, we stopped by a place called Lake Water.” There was a slow nod from Glider. “The sheriff there said that the only pegasus and griffon that had been there stole supplies,” Glider put her hoof up cutting me off. Her hoof scratched the back of her mane, giving her time to figure out what she wanted to say. “Why?”

Sadly, the pegasus that stole from Lake Water was sitting right in front of me. But I asked my question. Fully aware that I might not like the answer, but I’ll accept it either way. No pony in this world is perfect, not even my family is perfect. Glider looked at my eyes. “Yeah, it was me and Vin,” she said rather somberly. “Look, we needed the supplies and sometimes you have to do things you’re not proud of. I’m not fond of stealing from ponies that are kind towards me, but we didn’t have much of a choice.”

It took me a good moment of mulling this over to process it. She was honest about this though. In fact I can’t ever recall a time she has ever lied to me. Glider pointed at the wagon. “That’s what those supplies are for. I figured it was time I set things right.” I got up.

“Well then we better get moving.”

*** ***

A good several hours went by in the air, jokes were told, and I can say I felt closer with Glider. I told her everything about mine and O’Conner’s escapade in the carnival. Somehow she got a kick out of the two of us sliding down the air duct, unknowingly to Glider or O’Conner I really wanted to go down the chute again.

Lake Water.

It still looked the same as I had left it. Glider insisted that I fly us here while she took refuge in the wagon. Several stallions took a look at me, some even remembering that I had helped out with the infectious problem in the basement. Those stallions waved at me.

By the time I reached the sheriff’s office the sun had started to set, which meant we needed to be in and out. I unlatched myself from the 240SX, with which I was falling in love with now, before giving a sharp rap against the wagon. Glider jumped out from cover, landing on all four hooves right next to me. A mare sitting a few paces down from the office stared at her. There was a look of disgust on her face.

“You can do this,” I said with a positive nudge. Glider looked at me like a dog with its tail between its legs.

“What if they arrest me?”

“That’s not going to happen,” I showed her the pistol in my holster, “I promise.”

I know full well what I was implying to her. I also knew they weren’t going to arrest her. Not while I was here. Glider put her hoof against the door, taking in a deep breath. The door swung open.

We entered into the office, a familiar setting to me. Nothing had changed. The poker table was where it had always been. The jail cells looked like crap, but strangely homie. Wanted posters still hung on the wall, one was noticeably missing, much to my delight. I caught sight of another familiar piece, Deputy sitting in his chair reading his eyes out. Deputy looked up from his comic with a smile on his face. That smile faded. He fumbled for his pistol before gripping it in his teeth. “Put your hoofs behind your head.” Blue magic engulfed my horn simultaneously knocking Deputy’s pistol into my old jail cell.

Needless to say, Deputy was shocked, not by seeing Glider, but what I had just done. He turned to me not knowing what to do. His hooves went under the desk, then returned with a fully loaded double barrel shot gun. With my horn still aglow I forced the weapon open letting the two shells pop out. Glider moved a few steps closer to the desk trying to calm him down. “That’s enough the lot of ya,” Sheriff shouted out making my magic subside. His stone expression hadn’t changed since the last time I saw him, he looked more battle hardened now though, probably all of that intense gunfire we went through.

Sheriff took one good look at Glider then turned his attention to the mess Deputy had made with my aid. Guns had fallen out of the cabinet, not sure how I missed that, while shotgun shells rolled around the desk. “Deputy, clean this mess up an’ put that revolver away before I arrest you fer disturbin’ the peace.”

“But that’s her sheriff, the mare that stole our supplies,” Deputy spat pointing at Glider.

“I know exactly who this is you dunderhead, you think I’d forget this mare that easily?” Sheriff motioned for Deputy to get to work cleaning. Just as Deputy started getting to work, Sheriff stopped him. “Matter of fact, just go outside an’ wait. I’ll deal with this.” Reluctantly, Deputy trudged out the door leaving behind the mess we had made. As the door swung closed I telekinetically levitated everything back where it needed to go.

Sheriff took his time going around his desk never once looking at Glider or me. His chair squeaked in protest, it finally grew quiet when he leaned forward. Both his hooves folded together as he just stared at us. His gaze went to Glider. “You. You’ve got some nerve returning here.” Sheriff turned his gaze to me. “And you, you’ve got some balls to bring her here after what I told you.” I returned his statement with a calm polite nod.

In all honesty, I have no idea if they will even accept Glider’s peace offering. However, I am a stallion that tries to be prepared for anything. If they don’t, I’m ready to fight my way out of here. I’ll take the compliment Sheriff gave me though.

Glider took a seat attempting to gather her thoughts. Personally, I really didn’t need to say anything since this was her redemption. “I want to start off by apologizing for my actions. My friend, the griffon as you know him, well he’s busy at the moment, but please take this apology from the both of us.” The realization that Glider wasn’t the only one that had stolen from here washed over me. Seems a little bad on her part, but again it’s not my place to say anything.

The stone expression on Sheriff’s face never wavered. Its integrity remained solid like one of Princess Twilight’s protection spells. His gaze fell on the window, the one that Deputy had put his eyes against, Sheriff leaned over closing the shutters for some privacy. “Forgive me fer not being as kind as I was the last time we met, but what on this fine land of Equestria makes you believe that a simple apology will get you anywhere.” Glider took a defective scoot back. Her hoof started lightly tapping the ground out of worry.

I could see her eyes trying to look at me. Glider cleared her throat putting on that old school tough face, which I knew by now wasn’t an act. “I know a simple apology doesn’t earn back trust. That’s why I brought you guys that wagon of supplies.” Sheriff opened the window back up with his gaze locked on the wagon. “It’s more than what I stole, with some heavy sniper rifles. Better than the ones your boys have up there.” She nudged her head up at one of the sniper positions.

Oh. Didn’t know she knew where they were at. I can only imagine the shit storm we would have had to get through to make it out of here. Sheriff turned his gaze back to us. “Medical supplies to?” Glider nodded. Now I understand what those deliveries were all about. They were building up their supplies to give to these guys. Taking only a small amount to keep the family afloat. I need to be involved with that. “Let me see them.” We all got up and moved our conversation outside.

Deputy’s head popped out from inside the wagon, his hooves full of food. “They brought hey fires!” He fell back inside the wagon.

Sheriff looked at us. I shrugged claiming this was Glider’s redemption, not mine. Not that I needed any. Pretty sure I did my job blowing the hell out of Clickers the last time I was in town. Speaking of which, I haven’t seen one since I got here. Good for them. I escorted Sheriff to the back. His eyes grew wide with all the supplies that were packed in there. From the looks of it, I’d say Glider brought back well over whatever she stole and then some. That made me smile. Glider pulled one of the sniper rifles out, handing it over to Sheriff for him to examine. “We cool now.”

Deputy hummed loudly giving us his seal of approval. I chuckled watching him take a bottle of wine for himself. There wasn’t any harm in letting him take just one. Sheriff looked at me with a smile, a small one, but a smile none the less. “We’re fair an’ square now.” With the tip of his hat Sheriff let Glider go unhitch her 240SX from the wagon. He put the sniper rifle back inside the wagon, but called me over. “I trust that she’s everything you were hoping fer.”

“Yes,” she is exactly the kind of mare I needed in my life.

Glider introduced me to a lot of good ponies. Her and Candle Light. Sure, they aren’t what the law would classify as good, but you know what, I’ve grown to learn that I don’t care about that.

“Take care of yourself, Runner.” Sheriff tipped his hat to me.

Invitation

Chapter Twenty Six: Invitation

Not a soul was around the Diesel Fuel household. Not Glider with her tough attitude or even Candle Light’s gentle yet guiding ways. Even Lucky Clover and Vin’s bickering were absent. It was just empty.

I took a look outside, the only place I actually hadn’t checked yet, to find Diesel Fuel sitting out under the cloudy skies above. Just sitting there. Not moving. Not drinking a Pegasus Breed. Lightly tapping my hoof on the windowsill I pushed myself away from the window heading outside.

“Come on I wanna show you something.” Diesel Fuel stood up, his necklace hanging down over his shirt. I took a look over at the driveway only to find that it was completely empty, void of any gliders, even my own. Mine was safely sitting at the store in the garage. We stood out in front of the wooden garage door that I had yet to gaze inside of. Only once had I seen Candle Light come out of there, which was the night before.

With one mighty pull from Diesel Fuel’s muscular fore hoof the door slid all the way open reveling a large dust covered sheet keeping something rather large covered. The air was as thick as the darkness around us.

Diesel Fuel gripped the cloth in one hoof, pulling the sheet right off in one big pull. Underneath it was something I had never seen before. I had heard of it, but this was the first time I had ever seen one. “Is this an autowagon?” I asked staring down at a matte black metal rectangle big enough for two ponies to sit in.

There wasn’t a look of surprise on Diesel Fuel’s face like I had been expecting. He folded up the cloth staring down at the large engine that had previously been inside of the store. This was what Glider had shown me. Not the autowagon, but the large blower. “You really were living under a rock,” he chuckled. “Me and my dad built her. He ran nine seconds flat.” I crouched down near the blower, taking in the sight of everything that went into it. “My dad was running so much torque the chassis twisted coming off the line, he barely kept the nine hundred horses on the track.” A long sigh escaped me. Unbelievable.

“My dad used to run a GTO back where I’m from,” I practically whispered. Diesel Fuel seemed to respect the choice of vehicle.

There were visible marks showing where the glider portion of the Charger had originally been deconstructed and then reconstructed to fit inside of the autowagon’s engine bay. I was utterly speechless in awe of such a beast. This was a beast, which made my former definition of a beast look very puny. And I didn’t feel any shame in it whatsoever. “Do you know why I put you up against Glider,” Diesel asked, his deep voice bringing me back out of my staring contest with the Charger. I looked up at him nodding my head understandingly.

It had taken a bit of thinking. A lot actually. To see what he was doing. I stood up, noticing an R/T symbol attached to the grille. Diesel Fuel tossed the tarp down on top of the Charger’s back. “There’s a saying we used to say when we were growing up. Show me how you ride it’ll show me who you are.” Candle Light was right, we only needed time. “I’ve seen the way you ride, you’ve got heart, passion and a love for all of this.” I smiled a little. It wasn’t possible for me to agree anymore with him. He was right about me. “You’ve got a lot to learn though.”

I couldn’t agree more with him. There was a lot for me to learn, more so than I even knew right now. There were things I needed to learn that I didn’t even know I needed to learn. Of that much I was certain. “I’ve got nothing but time now,” I said to him recalling the debt I still owed. Let the record show I was still enthusiastic about it.

My eyes went down to the Charger’s wheels. They weren’t anything like what I had thought. To be fair I pictured an autowagon being made of wood, which in retrospect was very unfair to them. Instead of being made of wood the wheels where made of rubber surrounding a rim. Low suspension just like a glider. There isn’t too much of a difference between the two, I mean there are differences, but not as much as I would have thought. Diesel Fuel pulled open the door just before climbing inside. His fore hooves traced the steering wheel. “I live my life a quarter mile at a time, for those ten seconds of less, nothing else matters. For those ten seconds or less I’m free.” That. That right there is how Silver Shoe lived her life. That’s how she wanted me to live my life.

That’s my code. To live my life a quarter mile at a time.

“You want to learn how to drive one of these?” My ears perked up right away. Anything that has an engine in it is a friend of mine. I gave him an eager nod. My eyes went back to the pedals stationed behind Diesel Fuel’s back hooves. “The set up for driving an autowagon is the same for flying a glider. Only difference is the steering wheel and gear shifter.” His right hoof tapped the gear stick several times. He explained the different settings, such as how to use the steering, first and so on.

It didn’t take long to decide I wanted to buy an autowagon to. Gliders, autowagons, geez I need to make some serious bits if I want to buy some.

Diesel Fuel got out from the Charger, slamming the door shut without ever having started the engine. I wanted to hear the engine so badly, but I knew that this was a special vehicle for my brother. Yeah, he felt like a brother to me now. Honestly, I felt the same about O’Conner.

*** ***

This son of a bitch is clean.

The previous hour had been spent washing my Eclipse. It was clean as a whistle and shined like a brand spanking new one. All around me Vin, Lucky Clover and Glider were all working on their gliders for the Cannonball Run. I still had no idea where it was located at, but that didn’t matter.

Over in the corner, off by herself was Candle Light, sitting near my Mustang looking over some parts. She got on the ground shortly after, rolling underneath it. Hold on. I narrowed my eyes a bit. The Mustang looks … good! Like it was cleaned and every sense of the word washed.

I trotted over to the mechanic underneath it as she gave it full coverage. “Have you been working on this?” I pressed my hoofs against the hood staring down at Candle Light’s stretched out mane.

It took me a minute to realize she had hummed which didn’t sound like a hum more like a grunt. I got down on my hooves, crawling under the wingspan to see several parts being replaced. Candle Light rolled a few parts over to me. “Slide some of that grease over.” I did as I was told. “Thank you. And yes. I’ve been here supping it up in my free time.” Her hooves juggled several parts around. With my horn aglow I carefully levitated each part into place allowing Candle Light to tighten them up.

“You sure you’re okay with this?” I paused.

With one look at her big brown eyes I knew she deserved better. Candle Light turned to me. “Yeah, it’s not like I do much else around here.”

“That’s what I mean,” I lowered my voice, “all I’ve seen you do is cook and now clean gliders. Are you really okay with that?”

It had taken a while for it to sink in, but I started noticing life became rather predictable around here when I wasn’t being dragged off to fight against zebras or Reapers. Honestly. I loved it. It was nice hanging out earning bits then coming back to eat. Simple.

Candle Light nickered. “It’s not the dream life, but it’s my life.” She spoke with a hint of happiness. That seemed to be the role she had taken, but I knew she could do more than that. Actually, she was doing more than that. She was there for us when we needed her. “I may not be out there risking my life, but I give them something to return to. A home.” That’s what kept me going inside the city and inside the wall. Just the thought of coming back here. There was a hint of a smile on Candle Light’s face. “Diesel Fuel told me he wants you to head over to Sweet Apple Acres. Might want to get going.”

*** ***

So I dragged my flank over to Sweet Apple Acres, Eclipse strapped to my body with a full stomach of Pegasus Breed. The wind swept past me brushing my mane around like it was in front of a fan. This weather might be crazy, but I’ve learned to like this place. My eyes fell on Diesel Fuel who was staring down at his necklace. As I trotted up he took notice of me, holding up a laptop.

To be perfectly honest I have no idea what it was for since mine was working perfectly. Then again the last time I thought I knew what I was doing there was a lot of sparks flying around. So what do I know?

I chuckled to myself. “You called?” Diesel Fuel hummed in response while he climbed on top of my Eclipse. My magic turned the rear view mirror at an angle giving me a view of what he was doing. Pushing down a panel in the hood, Diesel Fuel attached his laptop to several cables which were feeding him all the data I had on my screen.

“We’re doing some test runs near Canterlot. The wind there has been rather harsh, perfect for the tests we need.” I cracked a smile at that. Yeah, that sounded perfect alright. I’ll put myself through that if it means having a glider in tip top shape for a race. “You ready for this?”

Verrruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum!

VERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUMMMMMM!

That answered his question. If it didn’t, my eager gallop across the acre dirt was more than enough answer for the both of us. Over the small hills I went, just galloping, no flying yet but we’d get there. We’d get there eventually. This was a road that would tell me how far I’d come since my first loss as a racer, flier and new member of the family.

The road I was on took me over a bridge overlooking a spillway leading all the way up to a waterfall. Supposedly that very dam was fixed by a superheroine shortly after it came toppling down towards Rainbow Dash. History is so cool!

My hooves slid across the road, taking the jagged piece of cement down into the spillway where a little stream was separating one side from the other. I galloped down the concrete, letting my horseshoes bounce against the ground like tires to an autowagon. It felt like nothing I had experienced before.

Everything was working together in great order, I didn’t need a computer screen telling me that. I could feel it. I felt it as I galloped underneath another towering bridge, which I had counted two of. Ahead it was clear. The path was nothing but cold clean concrete paving the way to the dam should the floodgates ever need to be released.

I took a jagged path up out of the spillway, leaving behind the stream and occasional drunken bums that were too tired to ask for change. The jump my hooves felt from the ground was amazing like gliding across a soft cloud on the ground with nothing but my hooves to guide me.

Above me, a light turned red snapping me right out of my mesmeric trance. My back hoof slammed against the gas pedal allowing me to gently coast to a stop next to a lime green Lamborghini glider. Diesel Fuel had mentioned several glider brands were also autowagon brands, he told me to know the difference. So I know the difference now.

I came to a complete halt right next to the glider, taking a casual look at the beauty. There was a low whistle escaping my mouth by the time the flier knew I was staring at it. Sitting on top of the Lambo acting as a beautiful piece of eye candy was his mare friend. I’ll admit, she was a bit stunning, but the thought of Daring crossed my mind making me chuckle. “Nice glider, hey could you tell me real quick what the retail on one of those is,” I asked curiously. The owner turned, moving his shades down so half of his eyes were showing, he scoffed.

“More than you can offer buddy, Lamborghini.”

Evvvvvvverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrruuuuuuuuuuuuuummm!

Diesel Fuel stretched his neck out getting close to my ear. It twitched under his breath. “Smoke em.” I didn’t smile. Keep cool and race on. That’s exactly what I intend to do.

Veeeerrruuuuuuuu. Veeeeerrrruuuuuuuuuuummmm. Verrrrrrruuuuuuuuuuumm!

Our engines hummed together, the fancy pants flier letting his hoof rev the engine louder than it really needed to go. He wasn’t humble about his skills. I knew his type. Ricer. The type of ponies who buy gliders and autowagons just to show off. Never pushing them to where a pony has never taken them before. It’s such a shame, sadly.

The mare sitting on top of the glider slid her hoof inside the ‘oh shit’ bar. Diesel Fuel did the same understandably, after all even if I was sitting on top of my glider while I was flying I’d do the same. I did the same with O’Conner to.

The light above us turned green.

We both bolted down the road leading to the outskirts of Ponyville right towards where Canterlot would be. Already now, I could see Canterlot tower looming down on me as if daring me to get there first.

Our hooves bounced against the ground, both of us keeping pace with the other or so we thought. My back hoof kicked the gear shifter, putting me in third, giving me the chance to ride on the gear a bit longer to gain more speed. Flames exploded out both glider’s blocks while the Lambo tried rising up into the air.

And here I thought we were having a fair ground race.

My hoof kicked the gas pedal back sending the needle on the wing speedometer soaring up to seventy wing power. The Eclipse rose up towards the Lambo, its wingspan slowly ejecting out with the gliders steady rise, the mare shouted at the flier to go faster. I shifted into fourth slowly closing the gap that stallion put between us.

Diesel Fuel typed something on his laptop, soon after loud rock music began wailing out the speaker system. My glider shot up past the Lambo, busting a cloud in its elegant wake, showing the Lambo just how outclassed it was in speed. The jolt of another gear shift sent my glider forward along with the speedometer needle now reading one hundred twenty wing power with a steady climb.

We soared past the train station gates to Canterlot, waving at the guards below. My hoof struck the gear shifter down into fourth letting me descend onto the Canterlot road below. The wingspan slowly began retracting back inside, eventually sliding all the way back in while my hooves touched down leaving the Lambo flier behind in the dust.

The street was empty, thank Celestia, I wouldn’t need to pull any crazy stunts trying to get out of the way of oncoming gliders. Diesel Fuel directed me to a refueling station. I stopped, connecting the nozzle from the station to my glider before rolling out from under it. The pump started up after I put in two bits for gas. “You know I always wondered how one of these things works,” I said sliding into my transparency spell. Magic swirled together with water, mixing back and forth until it eventually turned into the fuel that powered the glider.

That’s cool.

“Why don’t you go look around?” Diesel Fuel suggested to me pointing out the dozens of Lamborghinis rolling around. This time they actually were rolling around. Canterlot seems to have taken accustom to autowagons rather than gliders.  “It’s not every day we make a trip up here.” That was more than enough motivation for me. Besides it’s not like I can get into a gun fight here. Malicious ponies seem to be nonexistent here. “I’ll be at a shrimp place down the road in a few. Come join me there.”

I gave him the keys to my glider, galloping off before he changed his mind.

Several boutiques were setup around the block along with fancy restaurants I couldn’t even begin to pay for. As far as I could tell Canterlot had a very diverse population. From ponies to minotaurs with self-help seminars there were all sorts of crazy characters moving around. Even a camel! Holy shit those are supposed to be populating the desert, good for Equestria having all sorts of people to talk to.

An elegantly regal looking red dress inside a display window caught my attention. It looked just like the one Daring had worn. Somehow it seemed to glisten even more than hers had that night. The price tag put the dress at two hundred bits which sounded like a fair price. Next to Daring’s lookalike dress were two ocean blue and forest green dress lined with gem stones near the collar priced at two thousand and three thousand bits respectively. “What kind of a pony would buy these?” I tried comprehending why a pony would even bother paying so many bits for a dress. Then again this is coming from a pony that would spend five times that amount on a glider or parts.

A pony trotted up next to me staring at the price tag. “Five thousand bits for two dresses! That’s a bargain!” He went inside the shop leaving me with my jaw dropped. My brain. Somethings loose, I think. Can’t comprehend this. The other dress sure, but not those.

Another pony had joined me, seemingly interested in my expression at what I had just seen. “Culture shock, am I right?” I blinked, closing my mouth. Standing next to me was Summer Breeze dressed in her uniform. Truth be told it was just an overcoat with a shiny badge attached to it, but it was still impressive to say the least. “You’ll find that Canterlot is a lot different from any District or mock district like Harbor City.” Oh, she knew about that. No. The look on her face said she didn’t but knew I had encountered a place like that in my travels at least once. She nudged her head at a coffee shop. I followed her towards it. “Around here ponies only have to worry about looking good for some boring event like the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“So what brings you by Canterlot?”

We went inside the shop being greeted by the annoying smell of coffee beans. Give me an ice cold Pegasus Breed any day. Summer Breeze ordered a cup before turning back to me. “You want anything?” I shook my head to decline. “Suit yourself. My superiors are briefing my team and I on our next assignment over a fancy dinner. Some race is supposed to be starting, which because of the damage it caused last year to Canterlot we’re putting a stop to it.” I get the feeling I know the race. The worker brought Summer Breeze her order, then we went back outside.

So far the only autowagons I could recognize were the Lambos, which meant I needed to know more. Summer Breeze gave me a coy smile catching on to what I was staring at. “You ever learn about the Dodge brothers?” I’ve heard of them from Diesel Fuel in passing conversation. They sounded like my kind of stallions. “Tell you what, I’ve got something you might want to see back at my office. Want to come with?” I shrugged following her down the street.

*** ***

Dodge and Dodger were one of the biggest known glider and autowagon manufactures in Equestria after the infected had begun to spread. That didn’t stop them though. They were more than just business partners. They were brothers. Pushing each other the way only brothers can. They were competitive, stubborn and most of all innovators.

So why am I watching Scootaloo work on an autowagon? Actually it was the entire Cutie Mark Crusader crew looking a hell of a lot older then when they tested their first glider.

The mare reached out from underneath the autowagon, grabbing for a screwdriver that was then knocked a bit further away. Her head moved out from underneath the machine staring straight at me with her large tired eyes. “Nice autowagon,” I said knowing full well she couldn’t hear me. Scootaloo smiled then reached right through me sending shivers up my spine, by the time she brought the screwdriver through me I was ready to hurl.

Note to self this needs to be my last memory jewel.

We were sitting inside of a barn that was beginning to look awfully small for an autowagon. Then again this one in particular was a bit bulky. I rolled under it joining Scootaloo. A familiar singer’s voice made my ear twitch. “Scoots, how’s it coming along?”

“Mmmmghmgh,” was Scootaloo’s response.

From my guess it was coming along great. In fact it was ready for a test run. Scootaloo tightened one more part before spitting the screwdriver into a haystack. “Alright,” the female mechanic said cracking her wings, “everything’s ready. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom hop on in.” The mares being spoken to looked at one another with uneasy written all over their faces. They both stepped on the wagon, noticeably missing the hood that Diesel Fuel’s Charger had, but I assumed that was because this was just the first design.

I climbed on board taking note of the pedals being positioned in the back just like the ones in a glider. Scootaloo took the driver’s side, key already being shoved into the ignition slot. The engine started up with a low hum, obviously it wasn’t as loud as the engines I was used to hearing, but it was enough to get one of the first few autowagons rolling. Scootaloo stepped on the gas pedal. The machine lurched forward a bit, knocking open a pair of barn doors before rolling out into the open.

The speedometer was clocking our speed in at around ten miles an hour. With a quick spin from the steering wheel Scootaloo sent the wagon out onto the dirt road leading to Ponyville. From here it looked like it had recovered well from its infectious encounter. Another engine revved loudly next to us with two stallions accompanying it. I had a huge smile on my face. The Dodge Brothers.

Their autowagon sped up just enough to pass Scootaloo. She looked over at them, pushing the gas pedal back further. Her autowagon lurched forward passing the Dodge Brothers. Both drivers started picking up speed trying to out drive the other before reaching Ponyville. All five of these ponies are competitive, stubborn, but at the end of the day these five ponies keeping pushing each other. The way only good friends can.

The world ripped away.

*** ***

Summer Breezes’ last words to me before I left her office were to stay away from street races. Obviously her concerns are dually noted, but irrelevant since I intend to race regardless of the risks it brings.

I found Diesel Fuel sitting outside waiting for me up on a balcony overlooking the Canterlot waterfall. Once I joined him I placed an order for shrimp, received it and started thinking about how to earn more money outside of street races.

Diesel Fuel tossed a shrimp in his mouth. “What’s the matter, Runner?” Was I really that obvious? My face needs to learn how to keep cool better.

Taking a drink from my glass of water I looked out at the rainbow forming at the bottom of the falls. It was a nice place, good food and all, but the location just isn’t for me. I’d prefer a beach with crystal clear water accompanied by nice waves. Diesel Fuel cleared his throat trying to get my attention. “Nothing man, I’ve got my good days and bad days just like anypony else.”

“Don’t lose that cool of yours, Runner, that’s your meal ticket.”

That registered something in me. My bit bag levitated up immediately looking lighter than I remembered. I could not pay for my shrimp. That is how broke I am now. “M-my meal ticket. I can’t even pay for my own shrimp.”

Diesel Fuel put his hoof up casually, putting me at ease a bit more but not as much as I would have liked. “I’ve got your shrimp.” That was something I was beginning to get a little tired of. Handouts. It was nice to start off with, but the more handouts I receive the more I will have to pay back later.

I shook my head irritated. “Nah see that’s one thing I’m getting tired of. I don’t need handouts all the time, I can earn my way every step. If only you guys would give me a job.” I said rather coldly. It was no lie that I was sick of not being able to go on jobs with Glider to earn more money.

“What does that mean, ‘if only you guys would give me a job’?”

“That’s what I mean,” I said taking a shrimp into my mouth. Diesel Fuel was trying to see what I was talking about, but I got the feeling he was just acting like he didn’t know what I meant. “Look, I was part of a job with Glider already. I can work, I can earn money the way she does.” Diesel Fuel leaned back in his seat. “Now if I’m really a part of this family you’ll let me in on this to.” That felt good. It was nice to get the last of my troubles off my chest. Albeit I shouldn’t have said it like that. “Diesel Fuel, I’m sorry that was out of line,” he cut me off by holding up his hoof.

Diesel Fuel wasn’t mad. In fact he was just staring at me mulling something over. It took him a moment of thinking over everything I had said. Everything I had shown him I could do. I had a feeling my time here might even be shortened by my outburst. Diesel Fuel retrieved something from the inside of his shirt. He tossed it down in front of me. “What is this?”

“It’s directions,” he said taking a shrimp into his mouth, “to the Cannonball Run. We’ll see how you do then we’ll talk.”

*** ***

Hip hop music.

Speakers were set up all around the only town in the Smokey Mountains, which was called Mine Town, ironically since there were no mines set up near here. Music blared out in every direction making it nearly impossible to hear the conversations going on in crowds of fliers. Several ponies stood out in the mix, each one looking as if they were ready to stab ponies to death. I kept myself away from them.

My team was sitting over at a picnic table, their gliders all tuned up. I did make sure to mention that for a couple of gear heads that had notable muscle lovers no pony here was using them. Glider had thrown several wadded up napkins at me knowing full well I had been speaking about her. Diesel Fuel got a good laugh out of it though.

I took the time to get acquainted with several racers that had several amazingly built gliders. Some of the ponies here were just looking to race through the mountain for some quick bits before the actual race. Most of those ponies were driving autowagons. There were several bars set up around the area, I picked one and walked in finding a familiar face sitting near at the bar watching a circuit race from Saddle Arabia.

“Pegasus Breed, thanks,” O’Conner said politely. His eyes went straight back to the television after he got his drink.

I trotted over to him, ordering the same drink. Taking a seat next to him I took a glance at the television seeing a super autowagon on screen. “Hey, what’s up?” I took a drink from my Pegasus Breed.

O’Conner gave me his trademark smile giving me the sense that he had a feeling he’d run into me. “Just waiting for the race to start,” he said leaning back slightly to get a look at a pony, “and checking out the murderers.” I mouthed the word ‘murderers’ back to him. O’Conner gave me a serious nod. “Yeah, this race used to be a great way to meet up with other racers, but the years have not been kind.” His hoof pointed out a stallion wrapped in a tight coat that made him look either fat or muscular. I couldn’t really figure out which one it was. That same stallion had a large cigar in his mouth. “That’s Cannonball Joe, he likes to blow holes in the competition. Literally.” With shotguns, cannons and possible turrets that are modern cannons with armor piercing bullets. Okay that last part probably isn’t true since only the military gets armor piercing rounds.

Avoid Cannonball Joe, dually noted. O’Conner pointed me to a window with steam raising up all around it. A stallion’s head popped up only for a brief moment while he adjusted his flight goggles. “That’s Cloud Chaser,” O’Conner said lowering his voice. “He uses cloud coverage to hide from authorities, most recently he’s been using that same tactic to get close to fliers and unlatch them from their gliders.” Noted. Keep away from him. I looked into a mirror attached to the wall behind the bar tender, so far there weren’t any more gruff looking ponies around.

“I’ll have a Wild West bottle.”

My ears shot up a little. That sounded like … I looked over to the other end of the bar spying Daring in her pith helmet. “I’ll be right back,” I uttered to O’Conner who had gone back to staring at the television.

I moved all the way down to the other end of the bar, taking a seat right next to Daring Adventure. There was a long pause before she finally looked at me. We had some issues to work out. “You really need to quit following me I’m pretty sure you’re stalking me now.” Daring mused before taking a drink.

“It’s called persistence.”

“Oh is that what we’re calling it now,” she teased back.

I laughed with her, taking a drink from my Pegasus Breed. This is what I miss. Just being able to hang with Daring, enjoying a drink and joking around. Honestly it’s probably the only good thing that came out of my time with her and the others. “Listen, Daring about what went down. About what I said, I’m sorry. I had no right.” Daring put her wing up, keeping me quiet.

Daring Adventure groaned rolling her eyes. “I don’t want an apology, I know you’re sorry. So am I.” I nodded in agreement. This mare speaks my language. “Now that were on the same page, let’s move on and stop apologizing to each other’s sorry asses.” I laughed and clanked glasses with Daring. This might be the weirdest apology I’ve ever heard or ever given, but buck it we’ve got better things to do with our lives. We looked into each other’s eyes to make sure we were moving on from this at the same time. And, moved on.

“Can I ask you something,” I questioned Daring. She brushed her mane a little humming in response. “I know how to possibly cure the infected, but your own of two X factors I need to know I can depend on.” Daring nodded at me with a smile. There wasn’t a doubt that she wouldn’t say yes to helping me now. That’s one thing I admire about Daring. No matter what it was we could put our feelings and emotions aside to get a job done.

“As long as this doesn’t end in you releasing a beast,” she cooed.

“Please stop bringing up the glider factory.” I tried burying my face in my hooves recalling that entire incident detail by little detail. Daring slowly turned her head to me with the slyest smile. Of course, I was never going to hear the end of this. I gave her a pat on the shoulder thanking her for being available to help me when I need it.

I moved back to the other end of the bar, taking a seat next to O’Conner who had been staring at me during my entire conversation with Daring Adventure. “What’s up, you’ve been staring at me for the past,” he put his hoof up getting me to keep quiet. The chair next to me squeaked making me turn.

Sitting next to me, with a beautiful blue coat and an accompanying killer’s eye, was a ghost from my past. I took in a quick deep breath. “So Queen Firefly is a fan of racing,” I muttered to her keeping an eye on the knife floating next to her head. Brave Day began sharpening her knife slowly against a sharpening stone taking extra care not to let sparks fly.

“Where’s the other one,” she demanded threateningly.

“Dead.” I took a drink from my Pegasus Breed. You know I bet she thinks about that day a lot. After all it’s not every day you lose a ton of workers and a big ass drill at your command.

Brave Day seemed rather calm now for a mare that looked ready to slice me up. I got the feeling I wasn’t going to be getting out of this race without getting knocked around a lot. Especially if it is as dangerous as O’Conner made it sound. Queen Firefly leaned closer to me. “Listen you little runt, you have no idea how much trouble you caused me. I rallied the rest of my Fireflies together, the elites, just to come and hunt you down.” I smiled. In a couple of hours I’ll probably be dead anyway, might as well see how many ponies I can piss of before then.

“Well if they’re anything like the ones back at the mine I should be just fine.”

Brave Day shoved her knife down into the counter top in front of me. The bar tender shot her an evil look, but backed down once it registered who it was she was staring at. O’Conner nickered getting the murderer’s attention. “Something funny.”

“You tell me,” O’Conner muttered back.

Queen Firefly looked back at me, “This supposed to be that mare’s replacement?”

A hoof set itself down firmly on Brave Day’s shoulder, making her tense up like I had never seen before. If I learn anything from this meeting it’s that you don’t touch a murderer ever. “No but he found some better protection,” Daring spat at her taking a seat next to the murderer without a hint of fear. Brave Day looked right into Daring’s eyes with what I knew was her killer’s eye. She looked back at me, then at O’Conner.

“See you in the death race,” she lowered her voice just enough so that only the three of us heard her. Brave Day, the Queen Firefly, got up pulling her knife out with her hoof before leaving the bar.

I let out a breath I wasn’t aware I’d been holding.

My attention went straight to O’Conner. He spent the next couple of minutes explaining to both me and Daring that ‘death race’ was a term used to describe the Cannonball Run as it’s a race designed to allow murder between the start and finish lines. With that being said I thanked O’Conner for the insight knowing full well I better stick with my team to have a chance at making it through the race.

I got up leaving my empty bottle on the counter next to Daring’s Wild West. I mentioned to her that she should trade that bottle in for a real drink. Daring just rolled her eyes at me. We stepped outside leaving behind the tension of our previous conversations. Personally I really enjoy how just a simple change in location can brighten up my mood. O’Conner gave me a pat on the shoulder. “So what the hell was that all about?”

“Long story short, my friend Silver Shoe and I crossed paths with Queen Firefly, took some of her gems. Now she’s pissed.” O’Conner just chuckled. That wasn’t really a joke. “You think this is funny?”

“No, but I learned to smile when you can. Smile and the world will smile with you.” I smiled. O’Conner pointed at me before trotting away saying he’d see me on the road. That was my other X factor. It wasn’t going to be easy convincing the rest of my family to let him in, but I knew that bringing together all of these ponies would get me one step closer to Bolt Action. Wherever he’s hiding.

Turning my attention back to Daring I followed her line of sight to the Veil Side Fortune RX-7 glider that Diesel Fuel had. She wasn’t looking at it. She was looking at it. “You want me to introduce you to my family,” I asked curiously. Daring hesitated. Part of me wanted her to say yes. But instead she shook her head. As I began to ask why, Daring Adventure pointed up at the darkening sky above me.

The wind began picking up, blowing everypony’s mane around like an overgrown manedrayer. A bright ball of blue energy swirled together in the air, slowly descending down, parting the crowd. Once the blue sphere was perfectly set on the ground a puff of smoke rose up inside of it displaying none other than Bolt Action himself.

I gritted my teeth.

Daring nudged me. “Relax it’s just a recording.” Her eyes were staring at the tip of my horn which was glowing. I took in a long deep breath calming down as much as I could.

Ah, that’s for a big race I’m hosting. Whoever wins it will receive something beautiful.

Who would have thought? Son of a bitch was putting all this together. I spat at the ground. Bolt Action’s head took up most of the bubble in front of us. He cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentle colts, welcome to this year’s Cannonball Run. I am your co-host, Bolt Action. As you all know every year the winner of this race receives a large bag of bits fit for Celestia herself, but this year I offer you a choice between two prizes.” The crowd grew quiet. If I dropped a pencil right now every pony would hear it land.

Even Brave Day who was off sitting with a couple of well-armed guards kept quiet to see what this new prize was. From the looks of several ponies, I assumed Reapers, they knew what it was. Bolt Action’s head shrank down, being replaced by a stand with a large tarp covering it. The stallion inside the sphere stepped over to it taking the cloth in his mouth, with one big pull the stallion stepped back letting the tarp hit the ground. On top of the pedestal, with a bright pale blue glow, was the object I was assigned to grab.

I slowly turned to Daring who had the same look on her face. She looked at me fully prepared to do whatever it is I needed her to do. Bolt Action stood next to the Alicorn Sphere letting everyone bask in its pale light. “Ladies and gentle colts, I present to you the Alicorn Sphere, the sphere of legend that supposedly sent Equestria spiraling into where we are today. However, the Alicorn Sphere of my many great grandfathers time was incomplete. I have personally seen through to its completion and I offer you all this,” he paused. His eyes fell on the sphere. “I offer you the chance to become an Alicorn. If you, for whatever reason, do not wish to take my offer then a bag filled with bits will also be waiting for you.”

The crowd rose up cheering more or less for the bits being offered. Brave Day seemed more interested in taking both prizes as compensation for my actions. To be honest, I don’t think any of the others cared about the sphere. Daring tugged at my ear. I pushed her away trying to listen to what else Bolt Action was saying. Daring Adventure bit down on my ear, sending a pleasurable chill up my spine, I moved her away turning my attention to her. “What?”

Daring put both hooves around my muzzle and pointed my eyes straight at the unicorn king that prize was meant for. The crowd slowly separated letting King Sombra step in with his rebuilt unmarked glider. No doubt boasting even more power than it was when we trashed it and his factory. I gave a smile to the fact I was a trouble maker down to the bone no matter where I went. “Looks like all of our enemies are gathered here,” Daring muttered in a low excited voice. I hummed. “There’s a change in our plan.” I looked at her curiously. “I want us to take down Sombra for what Dead Eye did. Then I might consider helping you.”

“Deal,” I said shaking her fore hoof.

“Ladies and gentle colts, may I remind you that this is a three stage race. Once you arrive at the finish line of today’s race you will wait until morning to receive the next map revealing your newest track,” Bolt Action’s voice carried out over everyone still paying attention. Most of the ponies were too busy staring at King Sombra. Whispering, murmuring about his appearance here today.

*** ***

As far as I was concerned I already knew what was going down. The race would be starting soon which meant I had to get my family onboard to what I was attempting to do. I needed to get the Alicorn Sphere, which means I need a team that can help me get there along with a leader that I can put my trust in. I’m no leader. I know a pony that is though.

I called my entire family into the poker room inside the bar where the owner generously let me have the place to myself. Actually, he let Daring Adventure have it after she dropped several hundred bits his way.

“So what exactly do you need to speak to us about,” Lucky questioned with a Pegasus Breed in his hooves.

Glider was sitting in a chair, leaning back towards the wall keeping her eyes on Daring, who I hadn’t properly introduced yet. That would change soon, but for now I needed them all onboard. My mind raced trying to put together a decent pitch for this. I cleared my throat. “Alright, I’m just going to cut to the chase.” Daring pulled the curtains down while my horn lit up. With modifications to my transparency spell I can do a lot of things with the schematic portion of it. Like create a scale model of Princess Twilight’s castle and Discord.

Vin scratched his chin slowly taking in every bit of detail of the castle. They all recognized it. “Recently I had the privilege of talking with Discord, one of the remaining creatures in Equestria that can actually make changes, which means this mission is highly classified.” Diesel Fuel looked at me believing every word of what I was saying. Part of me didn’t even believe what I was saying, because it seemed like an impossible mission or some movie plot gone mad. “Bolt Action has already shown us he’s got his hooves on the Alicorn Sphere and we’re going to take it from him.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa slow up there Runner,” Daring spoke up raising her hoof to get my attention. I looked dead at her. “You expect us to steal this thing without even knowing where it’s located at. That’s a bad pitch.” I politely nodded, but ignored the comment.

The schematic being displayed on the poker table turned into every bit of information and memory jewel I had seen involving the sphere at the time of its detonation. Lucky took a drink from his Pegasus Breed putting the events together with a hoof pretending to draw lines like he was connecting the dots. “Yeah, well I never said this was fully thought out,” I mused honestly. Glider chuckled a little. “Because of Daring Adventure here, say hi Daring,” I pointed a hoof at my friend letting her wave at the rest of the family. She said hi to them. “I was given some schematics of the sphere that could potentially reverse engineer the one Bolt Action has. That said all I need to do is get to the sphere, grab it, then give it to Discord for him to put the finishing touches on it. He uses it and Equestria goes back to the way it was. No infected.” Daring cheered at that making everyone turn to look at her. She cleared her throat, bringing her pith helmet down to cover her eyes.

Lucky Clover knocked the pith helmet back up with the tip of his Pegasus Breed. I cleared my throat getting them both to stop. “If we do this then it means a safe Equestria even if we aren’t being rewarded for it. We’d only be doing this to better Equestria so keep that in mind.” Diesel Fuel hummed. His gaze never once left mine. “I want you all to know that when I met this stallion face to face for the second time he vowed to end Silver Shoe’s bloodline, he’s already killed Glider’s parents, which means I know he’ll come for her if we sit and do nothing.”

My horn stopped glowing, letting the schematic disappear. Everyone just stared at me. Even Diesel Fuel sat around motionless. “Well that’s the pitch,” I said as optimistically as I could with a smile on my face. O’Conner said the world would smile with me if I smiled. Well. I’m smiling. “Now that I’ve told you all what I know, Diesel Fuel, what do you say?”

“I think you already know what I’m going to say,” Diesel Fuel spoke up with his deep voice, “but we’re going to do this my way. With my team.” I kept smiling.

“That’s good, I’m no leader, which is why I took the liberty of gathering your team for you.” I gestured to everypony in the room. In the back of my mind I pictured O’Conner being here with us. Glider chuckled nodding her head once she realized what I had done. “Just get me to the sphere, Diesel Fuel, that’s all I ask.”

I love my family.

Death Race

Chapter Twenty Seven: Death Race

“Daring, get down!” I called out to Daring while she dropped out of the sky, landing smack dab on top of my Eclipse. Bombastic sounds erupted around me while several cannonballs cascaded through the air bombarding the cliff side to my left. Debris collapsed down towards the other racers that had been unlucky to get caught with all the murderers.

The rest of the team was up near first place with the rest of the fliers leaving Daring and I to fend for ourselves having been caught off guard by Cannonball Joe’s big ass cannonball wagon from hell.

Daring rolled across the wingspan, using her back hooves to hold herself to the Eclipse while she leaned upside down aiming her gun at Cloud Chaser. The stallion looked up at us, noticed the gun, and then released a smoke screen blinding everypony coming his way. I rose up high enough to avoid it but remained clueless as to where he had gone.

A bomb fell down towards me. The detonator blinked red several times before exploding inside of the smoke screen turning it from grey smoke to black smoke. Several fliers came bolting out from the explosion with injured wings and broken gliders. Brave Day landed down on top of the Eclipse, bearing a belt of sticky grenades in her mouth, ready with a detonator switch in her magic field. Daring flung herself back up just in time to tackle Brave Day into the rocky wall letting her drop down to the fighting below.

“We’ve got griffons with mini guns,” Daring shouted to me. I looked up, kicked the gear shifter into fist, and sank down like a rock while the griffons busted out a team of fliers with mini guns. THOSE GUNS ARE NOT MINI! Bullets exploded out the rotating barrels straight down towards the few racers trying to get out of the dog fight.

Oh shit!

A large pink protection spell went over us, taking only a few shots before being shot to pieces. Magic shards rained down on us while bullets came pouring down in my direction. Daring let her wings out, taking to the skies, right towards Brave Day.

I looked into the rear view mirror seeing a belt of sticky grenades detonate the cloudy sky like fireworks from the Redemption Casino. Daring came crash landing onto the Eclipse’s hood leaving a good dent in it. “Hey, I just had this thing tuned!” She gave me a sheepish grin. Her grin faded as she whipped out her pistol taking aim at a murderer levitating up four submachine guns.

Daring reached into her saddle bags, pulling out a bottle of oil along with a rag. Shoving the rag in as far as it would go Daring used the flames from my glider’s blocks to ignite the makeshift fuse. With a mighty heave she tossed the weapon at the attacker’s glider. The glass broke apart, the liquid being touched by the flame and igniting everything around the stallion. Next thing I saw in the rear view mirror was a great ball of fire dive bombing to the ground.

“Step on it!” Daring grabbed the ‘oh shit’ bar using her free hoof to hold her pith helmet down. I shifted into fourth for nothing else but the speed it gave me. The needle on the speedometer approached one hundred wing power with a steady climb to one twenty.

Brave Day rammed me into Cloud Chaser while we passed a sign claiming we were heading into the Badlands. My hooves slammed down on the brakes while Daring jumped onto the back of Brave Day’s glider. Biting down at the strap binding Queen Firefly to her machine, Daring clamped down on it, pulling it with all her might. The strap came undone. Daring jumped back onto the Eclipse wrapping her hoof around the bar. I caught the sight of Brave Day holding on tightly to her glider with her bare hooves.

Daring groaned. She pulled out her pistol. “I’m getting real sick of her.” The trigger was pulled twice.

Click. Click.

VEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMUMMMMMMMMMMM!

Our attention went straight up to King Sombra as he soared past all of us at an alarming speed. I cursed under my breath earning a chuckle from Daring. “I’ve got something special for his ass,” she sounded almost seductive. Her hoof locked a new clip inside the pistol. Daring stretched out her body, taking aim away from Sombra like she was using a sniper rifle.

Daring unloaded the clip in front of him. A spark against his glider alerted the tyrant into throwing up a protection spell strong enough to take each bullet one after another. “Damn,” Daring spat, “those were all my tranquilizers.” Sombra lowered his spell and turned his attention to us. His horn lit up, firing a spell towards us. In retaliation my horn sparked to life creating the strongest protection spell I could. Sadly, it was only strong enough to take the one spell thrown at us. Daring reloaded, attempting to fire again. By the time she was ready the former King was already too far away.

Daring let out several well thought out colorful phrases that made me a little embarrassed to have her near me. “Stay away from those,” Daring shouted. I looked at where she was pointing at, noticing a large pony skull imprinted on the ground as I flew over it. A flash in my rear view mirror caught my attention. Griffons armed with more mini guns flew back into formation. The barrels on their guns began to rotate.

Cannonball Joe galloped over the skull imprint causing it to glow bright orange. From the imprint a spell was fired into the air forming two large dragons out of pure magic. The dragon heads turned to the griffons breathing hellfire down on them, burning each and every one to a crisp.

I jerked my head at Daring trying to ask her what that was. “Those are Warheads. Step on one and it causes a large number of deaths in its wake.” That would have been nice to know before the race had started! AGH. Another thing to worry about.

Banking into a branching path I could see Brave Day following right behind me. Daring groaned. “She’s still on our tail. No elite soldiers though.” Thank Celestia. Now how to get rid of this mare. Daring pulled out her pistol ready to unload the clip.

My gaze fell on the red button that I was told to use only when I needed it. “Nah, she won’t be on us for long.” I hit the red button. My vision blurred together while the Eclipse shot forward in a burst of speed. Brave Day shrank in my rear view mirror just before I regrouped with the murderers, thankfully, ahead of them by a good margin.

To my left a large wooden dam held back large boulders that looked ready to bust the entire thing down. Cannonball Joe exploded out from a tunnel, his cannons all pointed at anypony ahead of him, he let loose a plethora of cannonballs in my direction. Behind him a large autowagon with a large trailer attached to it came thundering out the same tunnel with turrets all turned towards the fliers. Bullets exploded with bombastic sounds all around us.

“Daring, I need an out!”

Daring looked down, bit my ear, tugging me in the direction she wanted to go. Cannonballs cascaded the wooden dam one after another letting the entire sea of boulders come crashing down towards the other fliers. My eyes caught sight of a cave entrance. I pushed the gas pedal back, collapsing my wings in, as I hit the ground while the entrance around us exploded. Everything caved in around us.

*** ***

Putting a rag around my mouth I carefully tied it around my head, keeping it in place. Daring limped a little. I had her show me her fore hoof. There wasn’t any major damage, but she definitely needed to stay off it for a while if we could help it. I grabbed a bandage rag from the trunk and wrapped it around her wounds.

“You doing okay?” I tightened up the bandage.

Daring hummed while trying to put some weight on her leg. Her leg buckled making her fall to the right. She caught herself with her free hoof. I gave her a concerned look. “I’m fine.” She growled. Of course you are.

“Come on then,” I said sliding underneath my Eclipse. With my horn aglow I telekinetically set Daring on top of my glider.

Without a second thought I galloped down the tunnel looking for any escape tunnels. Using the transparency spell with all my focus, every wall turned see-through allowing me to pin point an exit. Several turns later we found ourselves galloping along a set of railroad tracks leading to the exit.

The tunnel around us began to shake. Dirt began to sprinkle down on top of me and Daring. We started looking for the sound, eventually noticing a light behind us. It actually looked kind of pretty. Growing brighter and brighter with each passing second. A whistle blared down every branching tunnel causing my heart to find its way to my throat.

I started galloping faster.

Faster.

And faster.

Our shadows began stretching out along the walls that seemed to close in on us with each passing second. Another loud whistle echoed around us making my heart pound against my chest. Daring got a glimpse of what was coming, she told me it was armed with guns. That didn’t surprise me! “At least it doesn’t have flamethrowers,” Daring muttered to me. An orange light flashed in my rear view mirror. All around us blazing hot flames reached for something to burn into a crisp.

I spared no time forming a protection spell that pushed back the flames. A speaker system was apparently attached to this death train because a voice started echoing around. “Me and Old Steam here are having a pleasure running you down!” I cursed several colorful words that made Daring smile.

My spell slowly began to melt under the pressure of scorching hot flames bearing down on it. Fire began engulfing the entire spell, blocking nearly my entire view of the tunnel ahead. “You just had to say flamethrowers,” I yelled up to Daring. Forcing out my third protection spell I watched as the other spell burst into shards from the sheer heat closing in around us.

The whistle shook everything around us, sending cracks spider webbing around my spell. Daring nudged me demanding I do something. Sliding into my transparency spell I saw a branching tunnel fifty feet away. I pushed the gas pedal back making flames burst out from the glider blocks. Two larger cracks formed across the spell making the entire thing creak. I continued to pour on the speed.

Forty feet.

Several magical shards came crashing down next to me shattering like glass upon impact. All around me the shards rained down from the train ramming into the back of it. I threw up another spell, sending a sharp pain through my head; the spell formed slower than the rest almost falling apart from the flames.

Twenty feet.

I galloped as fast as I could, trying to hit the gas pedal to move faster. The speedometer was already pushing past fifty wing power with a steady climb to sixty. Daring aimed her pistol at the train ready to unload it the second my shield fell. The flames around us died down, much to my relief, but that was until the bullets started.

Mounted to the front of the train with flamethrowers right next to it were mini guns with what I could only assume was enough ammo to make me cower in fear. The spell around us was slowly shot to pieces sending shards of magic everywhere around us. I dove into the branching tunnel feeling another round of flames singe my back hooves.

I came to a sliding halt doing my best to resist the urge to scream. The stands ejected out of my Eclipse while I rolled out from underneath it hearing the train speed pass us. Both Daring and I panted hard. Daring looked at my hooves noticing they were burned right above where my horseshoes were protecting me. “When we get to Bolt Action, you better protect him.”

“Why,” I asked cringing in pain. It was then I noticed my makeshift mask had flown off at some point.

Daring retrieved the bandage rags from the trunk. Once she had them tightly wrapped around the singed area she looked at me with an evil smile. “Because I’m going to shoot his ass for this.”

“Yeah, get in line.”

I was pretty sure Daring saw the double barrel shotgun in the trunk. That was just for Bolt Action. Although now I was beginning to have second thoughts about killing him. I questioned if I had the nerve to go through killing someone outside of self-defense. It took the bandage rags no time at all to send a cold chill up my legs. Once I was sure my legs were healed, notably with little to no burn damage at all or accompanying headache, I thanked Fluttershy for being there every step of my travels. Best invention she ever made.

*** ***

The train exploded out the tunnel, steam surrounding it like cloud cover, bullets exploded down towards the juggernaut helping Cannonball Joe. The turrets mounted to the juggernaut turned right at the train. I slid into my transparency spell, spying one passenger car attached to the engine with ponies arming the turrets mounted to the windows. Two ponies grabbed the turrets at the back windows which were directly in front of us.

I slid out of my transparency spell. “OH CRAP!” Daring pressed her head against the hood preparing for the barrage of bullets.

A blue protection spell formed around me.

Pfffft. Pfffft. Pfffft. Pfffft. Pfffft. Pfffft. Pfffft.

Bullets bounced off of a spell which didn’t belong to me. I flew up staring straight down at the unicorn casting the spell from atop the passenger car. Brave Day. “If anyone’s going to kill you it’s going to be me,” she hissed. Hitting the brakes, I landed on top of the train with my pistol floating up. A cannonball smashed into the passenger car making it tip a little.

Daring rolled off the glider, setting her sights on the hatch below. She galloped past Brave Day making sure to take the last of her sticky bombs with one stealth swipe.

I unlatched myself from the Eclipse while the stands ejected out. Brave Day’s glider was on the other side of the car. Galloping towards her, I unloaded my clip. She rolled out of the way. As she looked up at me I tackled her across the passenger car. My hoof planted itself firmly against her neck aiming to push her head into the turret below. Brave Day brought her back hoof up.  She slammed her hoof tip into my stomach sending me stumbling back.

Upon recovering from the attack, I had just enough time to look up before Brave Day dove towards me. I rolled back, planting my back hooves into her stomach, and then throwing her off the top of the train. Her glider was engulfed in her levitation field before being pulled with her. A second later she flew up over the train with her pistol pointed at me. Daring popped back up, pistol drawn, aiming right at Brave Day.

“Try it, bitch,” Daring shouted up to her. A cannonball impaled the cliff next to Brave Day forcing her to make a break for the fighting directly below the tracks. Below me the car began to shake uncontrollably. “I dropped a little surprise inside. Did you know these things are armor platted on the inside to?” I did not.

Strapped to my glider, I frantically looked for a way to get rid of the juggernaut down below while I flew over the fighting. Bullets continued to bombard the train to the point even the armor plating was beginning to have holes punched through it. Daring directed my gaze to the bridge several yards out. “Blow the bridge,” she suggested.

“Let’s do it,” I said between pants. “You got any bombs left?”

Daring held up several. I smiled

Everything swirled around me as I plummeted down to the ground. Daring shouted down to me while I caught the sight of Brave Day’s blue coat. She knocked me into a tail spin! Son of a bitch. I hit the gas pedal propelling myself over the juggernaut which was still ramming the train with bullets.

Brave Day pulled up next to me prepared to ram the tar out of me. Or so I thought. She pulled out a pistol. My horn lit up, ripping the gun from her teeth. I let the gun drop as Brave Day retaliated by knocking me around a bit more.

I dropped altitude letting Brave Day fly right over me and into the cliff. She dropped down after me, floating out a sniper rifle in her levitation field. Pouring on more speed I shoved as much distance between us as possible while a bullet struck my ear. I yelled out in pain. A fore hoof went to my ear. There was blood. “Damn it,” I uttered barrel-rolling to the left making myself a harder target to hit.

As I flew underneath the bridge, everything exploded around me, including the train being consumed in flames. Thank Celestia for Daring Adventure! In my rear view mirror Brave Day was avoiding everything that was raining down on the remaining murderers.

There was nowhere for any of them to go. Ridges were on either side of the crowds, with nowhere to run but straight, they all ran right into the burning carcass of a train with flaming wood crashing down on the survivors.

Brave Day was the only mare to make it out with her sniper rifle still pointed at me. I wrapped my magic around a boulder. As Queen Firefly drew closer to me, I yanked the boulder down flying past it while it came crashing down towards her. Her sniper rifle dropped from her levitation field as she jerked herself to the side only nicking the boulder a smidge. “Ha! That shit don’t work twice on me playboy!”

Damn it!

There was a pause. Brave Day hit a button on an ear piece I had completely missed during our fight. I couldn’t make out what she was saying, but from what I could gather from her expression something was waiting for the racers around the corner. “Later,” she said with a devious smile. Brave Day took to a tunnel leaving me behind.

“She’s about to be pissed,” Daring whispered into my ear sending me into a little jump. “I left her a gift.” Holding up a detonator in her hoof, Daring made my jaw drop. Her other hoof pressed the button causing the tunnel below to collapse from a single sticky bomb.

“Let’s regroup with the team.”

*** ***

Glider descended down from the sky, stomping her hooves down on top of a Firefly solider, she stumbled a bit galloping away from the solider but regained her composure. Her wingspan tore through several bushes before she came sliding out onto the open road.

Brave Day had something alright. She had all of her remaining soldiers get together for this and they were all pissed at what Daring had done to their leader. For the most part we were done dealing with the other racers.

The rest of my family got back to the main road. “Everyone check in,” Diesel Fuel shouted into his head set.

Glider tossed me a headset that I gladly slid into place. One was given to Daring thanks to Vin along with a small camera for her helmet. “Runner, checking in!” I smiled at Daring while she hit a button on her head set. She slid the camera strap around her pith helmet.

“Daring Adventure, checking in!” She looked at me with a smile on her face.

Lucky Clover touched down and galloped past us. “I’m all ears, what’s the plan?” Several fireflies were descending down towards us.

“Vin’s good to go,” the griffon called out while flying low to the ground. Just a couple feet above us.

O’Conner slid out from several Firefly soldiers lying on ground. Diesel Fuel looked at him ready to ram him off the road. Both fliers stared at each other ready for a fight. The team leader galloped closer to O’Conner preparing to ram him off the road. “Hey,” I called out to them, “Diesel Fuel I need him with us for this one alright! He’s like a brother to me!” Glider looked at me then fell back behind us, keeping both me and Daring covered.

Diesel Fuel reluctantly tore his attention away from O’Conner, putting his gaze on me. There was no lie written on my face. Everyone in our family had no word against O’Conner helping us out. Diesel Fuel looked forward. “Formation!”

We all shifted into fifth.

THE TEAM IS TOGETHER BITCHES!

Diesel Fuel galloped forward with me and O’Conner backing him up. Daring took to the skies with Vin and Lucky while Glider backed us from behind. Our formation was good to go. The soldiers flew down towards us!

Daring unloaded her pistol clip into them letting them drop down towards us. One of them went for Diesel Fuel only to be met with O’Conner firing three well placed bullets into the Firefly’s neck.

Vin pulled out two pistols, unloading each clip into the rest of the soldiers before they all hit the ground dead. With a free moment now in our hooves, Daring shot up higher into the air using her camera to display footage of what lay ahead of us. She disappeared close to the clouds while Vin called Glider up with him for an aerial formation. Everything Daring was seeing was soon displayed on our computer screens.

A large trailer more than twice the size of the one laying in a burning heap under the bridge stood ahead of all the fliers gaining on us. Its wheels thundered down the path to the next stop which was a moderately large town near a swamp. Just a few very short miles from our current location. Knowing Brave Day was a murder meant that thing had one objective after killing us. Slaughter the rest of the fliers leaving the Fireflies the only fliers in the race.

Our aerial formation lowered itself down closer to a few clouds for cover. Diesel Fuel’s voice rang out to everyone, even O’Conner, on their headsets. “We have to stop that thing before it reaches the town.” The ground team slid around a large ridge bringing the terror bus into full view. They knew we were coming. Best not disappoint!

Glider pulled out a low caliber assault rifle and tossed it to Daring who held herself back letting bullets rip through the air. Vin reached into a compartment in his glider, pulling out a combat MG with a long cord attached to it, the griffon let loose a plethora of bullets. Glider unloaded the clip from her own MG.

Bullets pelted the top of the bus with loud clangs and pangs alerting the Fireflies inside of our presence. If they didn’t know we were here before, they did now. Our hooves pushed off against the ground as two large autowagons slid out from two conjoining paths. “Runner, shields up!” At Diesel Fuel’s command I threw up a large shield that, a second later, was bombarded with bullets aimed at the ground. “Let’s punch it!”

O’Conner and Diesel Fuel slowed down enough for me to pass them. They put their hooves against the wingspan quickly accelerating to eighty wing power, pushing me with my shield right into the autowagons sending them into a few pot holes that flipped them over like bowling pins. I called out to them, “Strike!” My protection spell vanished, being replaced by my transparency spell.

I cast the spell over the terror bus making it completely see through for me. “Hiya!” A griffon called out to another Firefly with an assault rifle gripped in his claws. Accompanied by three other griffons, plus two turrets, they all set hoof on a platform that raised them up into the open. Their weapons were aimed at us.

Pfft. Pfft. Pfft. Pfft.

Pfft. Pfft. Pfft. Pfft. Pfft.

Pfft. Pfft. Pfft. Pfft. Pfft. Pfft.

“O’Conner you’re up,” Diesel Fuel called out.

O’Conner looked at me, “Runner give me a lift!”

I rose up into the air giving O’Conner a stepping stool. He galloped forward, jumped on top of my glider, then jumped up on top of the bus letting the glider stands eject out. O’Conner slid out from underneath his glider simultaneously kicking the turret barrel so that it spun around smacking a griffon in the face sending him screaming right off the bus. Frantically climbing over the hole left in the top of the bus, O’Conner dove into the griffon knocking the assault rifle down. The third griffon ducked down while the second turret turned its sights on him.

O’Conner dove under the griffon, bullets being sprayed from the turret, the griffon fell forward being shot dozens of times in the back. Rolling forward, O’Conner whipped out a pistol firing two rounds into the third griffon. “Runner,” the stallion called out to me, “Brave Day’s coming up on you fast!”

I looked, terrified, into my rear view mirror. Brave Day was alive, but not without several obvious wounds left by Daring Adventure. Queen Firefly’s mane was scorched as well as part of her body which wouldn’t heal correctly even with bandage rags. Fury was written all over her face. I did the only thing I could think of. My horn lit up, ripping the two turrets down from the bus, wires and ammo clips included, just as they began firing.

Brave Day got within three feet of me, giving me one option, to turn the already firing turrets on her. As I spun to face her the bullets tore her entire body apart, leaving behind bullet wounds no bandage rag could mend, she screamed at the top of her lungs before losing control of her glider. Her glider crashed underneath the bus just before the wheels ran over her crushing whatever part of her was still alive.

“Brave Day’s gone,” I muttered coldly. Keeping light on my hooves I spun back around galloping towards the front of the bus.

Several airborne Firefly soldiers dove towards me. Glider unloaded another clip at them before landing on top of the ground showing me how many gashes she had received in the air. O’Conner tossed down two grappling guns fully loaded with one shot each. Glider caught hold of one, bucking the other over to Diesel Fuel who connected it to one of this wings. Glider did the same. Another autowagon rolled up behind us, preparing to fire an RPG right towards us.

Diesel Fuel shot the grappling hook into a glider flying above him, it was owned by a Firefly, Glider followed his example. “Knock ‘em out,” he shouted to Glider. They slammed on the brakes, pulling the Firefly right down into the RPG causing it to explode. There was a satisfied smile on my face hearing the sound of the autowagon burst into flames.

Hot damn!

A griffon came crashing down into the ground in front of me. I looked up seeing O’Conner tangling with more Fireflies. I hit a button on my headset. “Glider, give me a boost!” I fell back while Glider flew up a few inches. Jumping on top of her glider, I got a good boost up right on top of the terror bus. My glider slid to a stop while the stands ejected out holding the machine in place.

As I landed on top of the bus I looked down to the left just in time to see Lucky Clover use his wingspan to retract and then eject out into two soldier’s faces. I galloped along the roof, tackling one of the ponies to the ground before bucking him off towards the ground. The wheels ran over his head. O’Conner looked down at the side of the bus, any form of smile was gone, “Oh no.” I looked down at the wall just in time to catch part of it retract into the bus like a garage door. Several griffons with assault rifles took aim at Diesel Fuel and Glider.

I threw a protection spell around the entire bus just as bullets ripped through the air. They punched enough holes to make the entire bubble come collapsing down. Diesel Fuel slammed on his gliders brakes, moving back behind the bus with Glider. Daring Adventure flew straight into the griffons before vanishing inside the bus. “Daring,” I called out over the headset. “Daring!” There was no response. I groaned, galloping underneath my glider and strapping it on. O’Conner put his hoof against my chest before pointing something out to me.

My eyes went up to the clouds. As if on que dozens of bullet proof vested Fireflies began descending towards our team. O’Conner reloaded his pistol. “Hey,” Daring shouted to me, “help me get this thing out.”

I looked at O’Conner while he strapped the Supra to his body. We jumped down, our engines humming together in harmony as we landed on the road without a clue at what Daring had found. The moment my back hoof hit the ground I noticed it was on top of a pony skull.

Oh crap, Warhead!

I looked around for a giant spell only to find the spell wasn’t fired. “Daring,” I spoke firmly, “I just ran over a Warhead and it didn’t go off.”

“All four hooves need to make contact,” she answered back. “I’m ready to roll.”

O’Conner looked up at the bus getting ready to jump up. I galloped behind him doing the same. We jumped up together, bucking the side of the bus with enough force to have something slide out. It was an autowagon with several high caliber weapons attached to the back. A military grade desert patrol vehicle. “Did you read the instructions,” I asked Daring noticing she was just now starting it up.

The attack vehicle started up with a loud roar while the entire team galloped past it. Daring put it in first driving forward with great speed until she closed the gap between us. “Instructions,” she questioned. “You mean the manufactures opinion.”  I shot her a smile.

Lucky Clover moved behind the bus keeping Daring’s blind side covered. Glider moved to the left of the bus just before looking up at Vin. The griffon dodged a soldier’s bullet only to have several more tear through his wingspan like a pair of claws slicing paper. The engine let out a loud popping sound giving him no time to react while everything shut down on him.

“O’Conner, give me a boost,” Glider exclaimed from the other side of the bus. She crouched down low enough so that I could see her run underneath the buses rather high suspension. With great precision Glider galloped underneath the bus just as O’Conner tilted his wingspan down to the left. Glider galloped up, using the tilted span as a ramp to throw herself in the air. She barrel rolled into Vin catching him with both hooves before coming to a stop somewhere inside the bus. Vin gave us a status update through the headset.

He’s back bitches!

From what Vin mentioned to us, his glider was shot for the rest of the race, but with the spare gliders inside he could jerry-rig his engine into working order. Apparently Daring had left most of, if not, all of the guard’s unconscious giving us access to whatever weaponry we could find. That gave my adventurous friend an idea that I could see forming right away. “Getting the weapons hot.” Daring flipped a switch in the attack vehicle making the turret like weapons attached to it take aim at things she labeled as hostile.

“Take shelter inside the bus,” Diesel commanded as several griffons held up rather dangerous looking combat MG’s. We each jumped through the opening in the bus while Daring flipped another switch. Shards of metal flipped over, completely surrounding the vehicle in armor plating.

Bullets ripped through the air while O’Conner tried to jump inside the terror bus. His eyes went wide and he galloped under the bus.

“I’m bullet proof, jerks, can’t touch me,” Daring shouted out with a smug look on her face.

Using every ounce of magic in me I telekinetically levitated every assault rifle still loaded with bullets. Each gun pointed out the opening. The triggers were pulled back sending round after round at the Fireflies diving towards us. Daring’s weapon system kicked on firing off green attack spells that dropped whatever it hit in one strike.

“Vin, Diesel let’s get this glider going again,” Glider demanded while searching for tools.

In the midst of my shooting I managed to find the gun lockers holding all the ammo for the assault rifles. Reloading became as easy as breathing while I let bullets rip the Fireflies body armor to shreds. “Daring,” I called out to her, “looks like these guys have bullet proof armor on.”

“Yeah, I noticed.” Her voice shot back a little irritated.

One of the turrets began overheating forcing Daring to bring it offline. The other turrets slowed their shooting rate giving Daring Adventure time to let several other turrets cool down. Her vehicle ran over a large rock sending the thing tipping forward. The front wheels hit another bumped, but the suspension took the shock.

Damn those vehicles can take hits!

Daring shoved the gear shifter down letting the thing climb right up a hill without any trouble. I stuck my head back out the bus, with assault rifles, taking aim at everything not friendly to my family. Bullets began unloading towards the enemy again.

“Ready,” Glider shouted while Vin burst out the opening. His Maxima forced flames out the back while the wingspan ejected out letting him take flight high into the air. I tossed an assault rifle to Vin who caught it, cocked it, then took off after some Fireflies trying to escape.

Reattaching her glider to her body, Glider looked up at me with a smile. “Toss me one.” I threw her a rifle while she galloped out the bus, taking off after Vin.

O’Conner crossed my mind.

I galloped out of the bus, landing on the ground with a hard thud. “O’Conner,” I said noticing the autowagon gaining on us.

“Yeah, I’m on it!” O’Conner slammed on the brakes with his pistol in his mouth. His Supra shot up into the air, sending him flying into a loop before letting him dive back down. With his superior marksmen ship he unloaded five very well placed shots into the ponies trying to use another RPG. The hunk of machine veered off in one direction before hitting a bump and tipping over to its side. “We’re clear in the back.”

“We’re clear in the skies,” Vin answered back.

“Grounds clear,” Daring chimed.

Music to mine and Diesel Fuel’s ears. The team leader came rushing out from the bus with a shotgun tied down to his hood for quick access. With no more Fireflies to deal with there was only one thing left to take down. “The rest of you head out, O’Conner and Runner, lets deal with this terror.” Diesel Fuel looked at me, then O’Conner. We smiled at him taking note of the Warhead a couple yards ahead of us.

The rest of the team took off into the air, Daring abandoned her attack vehicle letting it swerved out of control. Once we were sure the team was a good distance ahead of us we galloped straight for the Warhead.

O’Conner’s back hoof stepped onto the pressure plate along with Diesel Fuel’s back hoof. Both my fore hooves struck the plate with them making the entire skull imprint light up orange. We galloped over a small hill watching the cliff eject spikes from hidden plates in the rocky terrain. As the bus drove over the plate the spikes wedged themselves into the vehicle crushing it like a bug meeting a large boot.

All three of us came to a sliding halt, turning our attentions to the flames bursting out from the totaled vehicle. It was rather satisfying to see that thing burn to bits. The spikes slowly retracted back into the rock leaving the machine to fall apart on its own accord. I have to admit I enjoyed this. Doing a mission as a team with these guys. I loved it.

I turned to face them, but could still see something was keeping the two of them from enjoying the moment. O’Conner had a look of respect on his face though, so did Diesel Fuel. I smiled catching some of O’Conner’s attention. “You know this is still race,” I mentioned without subtlety. “I’d really like to race you, both of you.” O’Conner shot me his trademark smile.

Diesel Fuel let out a low chuckle. He looked back at the burning machine then at me. “You sure you can handle third place?”

“You tell me.” I revved my engine.

O’Conner drew a line in the dirt which all three of us stood behind. I looked to my left, Diesel Fuel revved his engine, I looked to my right, O’Conner revved his engine. We took off into the air.

*** ***

Celebrations.

With the first part of the race behind us the entire team was celebrating having survived the plethora of Fireflies that were no doubt sorry they messed with us. It had been a couple of hours since that event and I still couldn’t believe we made it out. Once I pulled into town I put my Eclipse away, grabbing a drink from the hotel we were staying at.

O’Conner sat next to me keeping his gaze on the bottle. I knew what was going through his head, but we weren’t going to talk about it in great detail. In fact this was a conversation that just didn’t need to be said. Three words said it all. “Good race, O’Conner.” I gave him a pat on the back.

“Same to you.” He mouthed a number to me. I smiled not caring where I had placed in our race.

After all that race gave me what I needed. Confidence. I felt great. I could have been in any place in the race and in the end all three positions would have given me the same feeling. “Damn,” I said looking at O’Conner, “Diesel Fuel is fast.” O’Conner laughed with me and we clanked glasses to that.

“Gooooood evening all you speed demons!” DJ-PON3’s voice replaced every hip hop song on the radio along with any other radio system we had. It didn’t take an experienced hacker to know she had some skills busting into communication systems. I don’t know how to hack systems without help, but I can recognize good work when I hear it.

She cleared her throat. “All you griffon and pony folk alike don’t take to kindly to murders turning this gentle sport into a killing spree. I especially like the team that took down the Fireflies!” I smiled at that. Covert operations with a team that is only known to the world as a team and nothing more. I love that.

“I caught most of the race on radio, but man I wish I could’ve seen the look on that bitch’s face when the turrets were turned on her ass!” DJ-Pon3 started laughing her ass off while some of the audio from our encounter played once or twice through the speakers. Diesel Fuel’s entire team had their voices changed, which I’ll admit was nice. Reminds me of Swordmares. The main character was getting a reputation that I’m happy to say I never want. One thing that I learned about all thieves is that only other thieves know about each other. “From the data I got fresh from my computer it looks like no more murderers are in the race. And I’m more than happy to report that the top ten murders have been wiped from the face of Equestria after today’s event. That’s one problem solved.”

“Can we do something about the infected,” she asked rather curiously.

That made me chuckle. That very statement reminded me why I love paper. Ponies can’t hack into that shit. Seriously when was the last time someone ever reported their paper files being hacked into? At least when my files were found I knew where they were at.

Glider slid her hoof around me, dropping a room key down on the counter next to my drink. I took a look at it. The thought of a comfortable bed hadn’t crossed my mind all day, but now that I thought about it I was ready for a good night’s sleep. “I set you and Daring up in the same room,” she mentioned with a wink. “Don’t get the wrong idea about that though. It’s only cause we don’t have the funds to put us all in our own rooms.” O’Conner scoffed staring at his drink. With a light lean to the right, Glider put her attention on him.

“Choked on some Pegasus Breed.” O’Conner took another drink this time coughing a little.

“I’ll end my broadcast tonight with a little depressing note,” DJ-Pon3 said somberly. Her voice cracked a little trying to say something. “Out of all the fliers we started with today, we have twenty left.” My heart stopped. It wanted to cry a little. How many of those were good fliers. “But most of them were murderers and Fireflies so buck them in the face with a two by four! Send you the map for tomorrow’s race in the morning! Good-night everypony!” DJ-Pon3’s broadcast turned to static before being replaced by hip hop music.

I snorted hearing the last part. She might just be one of the funniest ponies I’ve ever heard. From the way she spoke it sounded like most of the racers had just been unlucky enough to have their engines shot like Vin’s. Not that it was a bad thing. With less competition it just made our job easier.

Daring Adventure tossed some bits down on the counter. I gave O’Conner a pat on the shoulder saying bye to him before moving over to Daring. “You’re rooming with me tonight.” I took a drink from my Pegasus Breed.

“You don’t snore, do you?” Daring gave me a serious look. I shook my head telling her I have never nor will I ever snore.

We made our way to the elevator, I pushed the button earning a ding before the doors opened. I let Daring walk in first and I followed behind her. Facing the glass wall behind us I kept my eyes glued on the view while my back hoof hit the button to our floor. The doors closed with a ding. Daring let out a long sigh. “Would you look at that view? Can’t deny it, beautiful.” I looked at her. There was a smile on my face.

The smile on Daring’s face was the exact same one I saw when were together during our first mission. It looked good on her. In fact it made her look even more dazzling then that night at the casino. “You know they all like you,” I said with a smile. Daring looked away from the window as the elevator began moving up. “Maybe you could stay with us?”

Daring shook her head. “I don’t know, Runner. I’ve drifted out of so many crews I don’t know what feels real anymore.” I put my hoof around her pulling her into a hug. The camera that had previously been around her pith helmet had been stashed away in my glider. “I’ve never had anyone stick with me. Anyone that has taken me in is dead now.”

I looked right into her eyes. “I’m still here. And I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.” Daring didn’t break eye contact with me. Her eyes stayed locked with mine.

“You are,” she said coming to the same realization I had about my family.

Daring planted her lips firmly against mine! I wrapped my hoof around her a bit more, holding her closer. She pulled away. “Why are you still with me anyway,” she questioned rather coyly. Oh, she knew I had several reasons that weren’t connected to well … how I felt about her.

“You stole my weapons,” I said warmly into her ear. She stared at me not believing a word of what I had just said. I didn’t believe myself either. “Well aside from being one of the toughest mares I’ve ever met, you’re also one of the most fun and beautiful mares I’ve been with.” That made her smile a lot more. Everything I said was true. At least, it was true after I got to know her. Had she asked me just after the weapon incident then it would be a different story.

Daring brought me back in for another kiss. The elevator dinged. The doors slid open.

“And I kind of like it when you bite my ear.” Daring bit down softly on my ear. Tugging it a bit while we walked out of the elevator. Our room was several hoof steps away, I don’t even think we could make it there.

I slid the room key into our room letting it unlock.

Daring continued tugging at my ear until I shut the door behind us. Her vest was the first thing to go, then her pith helmet. Eventually we found our way to the bed. She kissed my muzzle several times before I rolled her over putting me on top. Daring wrapped her wings tightly around me, keeping my body close to hers.

Need For Speed

Chapter Twenty Eight: Need For Speed

I sat on top of my glider inside the empty parking garage. Shotgun in hoof. There was a lot to think about. This was something I needed to do. Daring walked out from the elevator dressed in her usual attire.

I set the gun down on top of a work bench immediately taking the saw and cutting the barrel on the shotgun off. “Daring,” I said catching her attention. Daring walked over to me staring at the shotgun. “In case things go to shit.” My horn lit up, levitating the weapon over to her. Without a second thought, Daring slid the gun inside of her saddle bags.

“Hey,” O’Conner called out to us. “You guys ready yet?” Daring galloped off while I got my Eclipse ready. Glider came out of the elevator next.

She walked by me, then turned back around. Her hoof tapped me a few times. I faced her. “Heard you were playing the pipes last night.” What? I. Don’t know. What the hell that means. “Playing the pipes.” I shook my head still not getting what she was saying. “You’re mare is not quiet.” She gave me one last pat on the shoulder while I brought my hoof to my mouth.

*** ***

To my demise King Sombra hadn’t been taken out during the death race. Sadly that just meant I had to deal with one more problem. Actually this was Daring’s problem. With any luck she can ice him after this race, then we can get to Bolt Action. That’s if Celestia and Luna are smiling down on me.

My GPS screen blinked several times while I got into position at the starting line. I tapped the screen seeing a map of Equestria pop up with a highlight route. We we’re going through Equestria’s biggest cities today. This is going to be fun. Now we were just racing. Even with cop trouble, which should be scattered in cities like these, we could slip in and out of both places without much of a hassle.

I revved my engine while a red flare was sent spiraling into the air. A yellow flare went up shortly after. O’Conner whistled at me. I turned to him. “Stick close to me or Diesel Fuel. We know these cities just as well as the cops.” I gave him a dirty look. He was a cop. I bet he knew both cities very well. That said I know who I’m sticking to.

A green flare went up.

My hoof struck the gear shifter, then gas pedal. I galloped off across the ground leaving behind King Sombra. From the looks of his glider, it was one that slowly drew power out over the course of the race. Time to put some distance between him and me. I doubt he will follow any rules.

*** ***

No Fly Zone.

A sign about half a mile from Fillydelphia claimed this wasn’t a place to fly. Having been here before I knew that was a lie. But since this race seems to have a reputation I won’t be the jackass that triggers any sort of defense system.

I landed on the ground galloping at sixty wing power.

It had been a decent race so far. The country roads leading away from the Badlands had wide turns in them with little to no traffic at all. Most of us just went along for the ride, galloping at roughly fifty wing power enjoying the wind blowing through our manes. With each passing second though I knew the feeling wouldn’t last when we sped through Fillydelphia.

I galloped past Diesel Fuel, over shooting O’Conner at the end of the turn that put us all on a straight shot to the city. In the distance I could see its skyscrapers quite literally doing their thing. They stretched so high up I could barely see the top. “So this is what it’s like being in first,” I muttered to myself. “I could get used to this.”

Several other racers galloped past me in my daze. I shook off whatever had me mesmerized before pouring on even more speed. Diesel Fuel passed me up with O’Conner drafting right behind him. They still weren’t on speaking terms as far as I could tell, but they were more than accepting of each other on the track.

I shifted into fourth.

A loud rumble above me and the other fliers all made us look up as we closed in on the highway entrance to Fillydelphia. King Sombra was flying. And I mean FLYING! “Damn it.” Every racer still on the ground shifted into their next gear as we passed the population sign heading right into the city. I looked up at King Sombra just before he passed four flashing devices mounted to the buildings we had just passed. Red lights began flashing with sirens going off in every direction. I frantically looked around for what was going on.

WHA-THUNK!

I jerked my head to the sound of a machine snapping just in time to see a net come flying into an intersection. The fliers that had passed me became entangled in the net just before it sent waves of electricity through them. “Oh crap,” I hit the brakes, sliding on the ball of my horseshoes down the off ramp after O’Conner.

“Oh shit.” O’Conner, while a cop, was just as shocked as I was to see that speed trap sitting there. Good to know he isn’t plotting to try and sabotage the race.

I slid into my transparency spell, looking through the buildings in front of me. On the conjoining street several cops were heading our way. Fast. I slid out of my spell. My hoof hit the brake and I turned into a parking garage. Daring followed suit. “I’m taking off, see you at the finish line.” She tipped her helmet to me before flying out of the building. Aside from her and O’Conner I was pretty sure the others had gone off the grid someplace else in the city.

My hoof hit the brake pedal again, letting me slide out of the nearest exit right into the face of several cops. They all pulled their guns out taking aim at me. I hit the gas pedal sending the tachometer into a high rev before shifting into a lower gear then into fourth. Fire exploded out the back of the blocks sending me flying into an alleyway right through a chain link gate.

Several autowagons, much more compact then the ones from yesterday, drove into the narrow space coming at a relatively slow speed. As I drew closer to the end of the alley a cop wagon moved out in front of me completely blocking my path out of here. No place to turn to either! With all the strength I could muster, my hooves pushed me up into the air right over the cop wagon. As the glider slid out from the narrow space the wingspan ejected out letting me fly up into the third story of a parking garage across the street.

“So much action! I love this!”

My hooves hit the ground with a stumble forcing me to drop a gear with a bit of speed. Pressing on as fast as I could. Loud sirens drew my curiosity sending me right into my transparency spell. Cops began moving as fast as they could into the parking garage heading straight for me. I turned my attention to the other side of the parking garage while sliding out of my spell.

Hitting the gas pedal back a bit more I caught a glimpse of the speedometer passing sixty wing power. The wings retracted back inside while I pushed off the ground, clearing the cement barrier in front of me by several inches. The parking garage disappeared out from underneath me while I landed the three story jump only thanks to the shock absorbers inside my horseshoes.

I galloped down the road hearing several sirens following after me. With a groan I called out to cops, “Hello officers, trouble in the city?” My hoof struck the gear shifter putting me in fifth.

WA-THUNK!

Pffzzzt. Pfftzzt.

I snapped my head to the sound of a net being flung in my direction. Slamming back on the emergency brake I slid onto the main road nearly taking out a lamppost in the process. To make matters worse something was now screwing with my radio. Probably the cops trying to pick up on everypony’s location.

The net flew past me, latching onto a cop speeding around the corner, electricity surged through it disabling the vehicle with little effort. I paid the pig no mind while pressing on down the road. Three cop wagons slid out into the intersection ahead blocking off my path. “Shit, gotta jump it.” I threw my fore hooves up, ejecting the wingspan out. Fire burst out the blocks sending me flying right over the cops. Each one of them pulled out a pistol and began unloading their clips at me.

Another flier slid around the turn joining up with me. He looked over his shoulder and gasped just as a net wrapped around him shocking him into unconsciousness. “How many fliers have bit the dust?” It was unreal how fast the cops were picking fliers off. I just hope I’m not one of them.

I lined myself up with a cement barrier dividing the road in two. Another cop wagon sped out onto the road several feet behind me. It was beginning to feel like the wagons had been given an upgrade. The vehicle was literally on my heels in a matter of seconds. As a cop leaned out with a net in his hooves, I down shifted, moving right in front of the cement barrier then onto the right side of the road. In an attempt to follow me the wagon sped up, hitting the edge of the barrier, before being sent into a tailspin that took out a lamppost.

There was a satisfied smile on my face. My back hoof hit the brake letting me slide on the ball of my horseshoes and onto another road. My spoiler came close to hitting a speed limit sign, which I took note of. “You’re looking loose in the turns,” O’Conner shouted to me while he caught up with my Eclipse. I nickered.

Daring flew past me with a determined look on her face. Knowing her she probably gave the cops more than they bargained for. O’Conner’s eyes widened, Oh, shit!” He slid into an alleyway to our left. Daring tired diving down, but the net wrapped around her, forcing her to hit the ground with a loud smack that sent her rolling onto a road leading right out of the city. I halted, unstrapping my glider faster than I had ever done so before. I scrambled for Daring while her body began shaking uncontrollably.

Biting down on the net, “AGH!” Volts of electricity went surging through my head like an anti-headache medication. Several gliders with Fillydelphia Police Department logos all landed down a couple of steps away from us. “Come on, think. Think, think, think!” I looked around at the cops loading their guns. There wasn’t time to think. No plan of action I could slide into. I bit down on the net, surges of electricity went through me, now feeling like knives being thrown into my body.

Slowly, I began pulling the net from Daring, untangling her body with what little sense I could gather with all the pain I had flowing through me. “Get on the ground. NOW!” One of the cops shouted at me. Another one leaned into a scope aiming it right at one of us. They loaded a round into the gun.

“Get on the ground.” “Stop resisting arrest!” Voices mixed together as I threw the net away from Daring, holding her close to me. There wasn’t time to move to my glider. Any sudden moves and that sniper aiming his gun at near point blank range would take the shot.

CRACK!

Vin landed next to me, his pistol firing three more rounds at the cops making them take cover. His head frantically snapped around looking for an out. “Go, get out of here.” Wrapping a claw full of net, Vin chucked the thing at a cop, entangling the cop to the point he fell back electrifying an autowagon. I put Daring on my back, galloping straight for my glider. Her body stopped shaking enough for her to wrap her fore hoof around the ‘oh shit’ bar. I started up my glider, strapping myself to it right away.

I flew. I just flew off. Leaving behind the cops. Leaving Vin to out run the cops. I wasn’t worried at all. After all my family was tough. Especially that griffon.

As we flew out of the city still following the map, I looked back at Daring, she slowly opened her eyes after what felt like hours of flying. In reality it had been just a couple of minutes. During those few minutes I spied Sombra getting away without so much as a scratch on him.

Daring was the center of my world right now. I just wanted to know she was okay. From the look on her face she could tell what I was thinking. “I’ll be fine. Just keep heading to Manehattan. By then I’ll be good to go.” She cracked the wing that looked the most banged up. Well, if she’s this enthusiastic then I know she’s fine. Tough son of bitch ain’t she.

*** ***

Once I saw the no flying sign, or in this city it was a ‘you-can’t-fly-higher-then-this’ limit, I landed on the ground with my attention carefully kept on Daring Adventure. She continued hovering near me, only wincing or cringing when she flapped her wings harder then she needed to. I felt bad, but there wasn’t much I could do.

Lucky for Daring I still had a bandage rag in the trunk, sadly that net did more damage than we thought. The rags would fix her, but she would need a proper doctor to check her out. Good thing the next town was a straight shot once we got out of Manehattan.

A city limit sign went by, signaling me and the other fliers close by to keep an eye out for any speed traps. King Sombra closed in on us, not sure how I passed him, but he wasn’t going to let another speed trap stop him. In fact I’m pretty sure he triggered the first one on purpose. Three more fliers managed to pass me. My eyes narrowed in on the first off ramp I could make out the closer we got to the city.

Red lights began flashing the second Sombra flew past the sensors. My attention went to a track system attached on two buildings across the street from one another. A net went shooting up the two tracks, snapping into position while the three fliers ran into it, the entire thing shook before it came crashing down on all three of them.

Daring banked to the left in panic of being caught. O’Conner sped down the off ramp with me and Diesel Fuel while the other team members flew off after Daring. We left the highway behind, trading it for the uncommonly empty city streets below. Now I know this is a trap. Both cities wouldn’t be empty like this, not without a notice to get everypony off the street sent out in advance.

Diesel Fuel looked straight at O’Conner without any form of trust in his eyes. “That shit was orchestrated.” There was a light groan from me. After everything we did yesterday I was hoping they would get along, maybe even respect each other enough to help me get this done. The RX-7 started closing in on the Supra, preparing to send him into a tailspin.

I wedged myself between them, keeping an eye on Diesel Fuel to make sure he didn’t do anything to separate the team any more than we already were. “Now hold on, Fillydelphia and Manehattan have a pretty large distance between them.” Diesel Fuel galloped away from me letting me have a bit more room. “Odds are they got word from cops over there, which would give them more than enough time to set that trap up.” I reasoned to him fairly well. O’Conner didn’t have anything to hide from us. After all he was being chased by the cops with us which meant that they didn’t know he was here.

At least.

I really hope I’m right about that.

“Not to mention this race has a rep,” I muttered rather lowly.

Sirens wailed behind us. My gaze fell to my rear view mirror. Cops were all over us. In autowagons. More importantly they were all over the three of us! “Pull over Diesel Fuel!” “Pull over to the side of the road!” It was like they were reading from a script! The one thing that actually registered to me was that Diesel Fuel also had a reputation around Equestria.

O’Conner whistled at me. I turned to him while Diesel Fuel banked left onto another street leading one of the cops away. “Hey,” O’Conner whispered. His hoof pointed to something in the distance between several radio towers. “You see the bridge?” I narrowed my eyes, occasionally stretching my neck up trying to get the bridge into view. After a moment of looking around I spotted an arch. “That’s our way out of here.” A cop wagon pulled out in front of us. Without so much as a second thought, I galloped around it taking to an alleyway for cover. In the midst of all this I lost O’Conner.

It took me less than a minute to find the main road that could take me to the bridge. Several autowagons pulled into the intersection, all with cop logos, without thinking I banked into an alleyway.

After a moment of knocking trashcans out of my way I busted out into the open, galloping right under a bridge that seemed too stretched endlessly over the road. There wasn’t a lot I could do except keep moving. Just reach the bridge and leave this all behind.

Another intersection went by with at least one cop spying my glider going over the speed limit. Now would be a good time to unleash a beast! In my rear view mirror two autowagons slid out onto the road I was on. So far there were still no streets giving me a way out. As a matter of fact there weren’t any alleyways. Beside me, a grassy hill slowly rose up to meet the end of the bridge I was under.

My eyes widened.

Dead end.

Pffzzzzt. Pffzzzt.

My hoof stuck the radio. Now was not the time. “No. No. No” Why couldn’t there be an intersection here? Damn it! I frantically looked back into my rear view mirror. They had me cornered.

“Is this Runner,” DJ-Pon3’s voice rang out.

I looked at my radio with wide eyes. This was a two-way radio? I answered back with a hum. “Good. I’ll make this quick, I like your style kid. Seen a lot of good stuff with you playing a good role.” That was nice to hear. Even if it was from a complete stranger. “Tell you what, I’m going to help you escape these cops.”

“What’ve you got in mind,” I asked staring at my rear view mirror. Cops were gaining. Faster and faster.

“You see that grassy hill?”

I looked to my left spying the narrowly closing gap between the road and bridge. That wasn’t a way out. But without any way out I gave her a polite hum. “Pull a grasshopper for me. Right over that hill.” I moved closer to it.

Grasshopper? What the hell is that supposed to be?

“A what,” I questioned.

There was a loud groan. The radio became static for a moment. My eyes widened. Did I really just lose my only help? Runner, you’ve got to be better than this. “Kid, you are really messing with our cool factor right now,” she said rather enthusiastically. “Gallop up the hill and gun it right as you get to the top. Then let your wings soar baby!”

My back hoof struck the gear shifter, putting me in fifth. The needle on the speedometer jumped up reading at least seventy three wing power. I galloped up the grassy hill, the edge of the bridge looking ready to chop half my glider off. Part of my glider hit the bridge sending sparks flying everywhere. The wingspan ejected out while I took a small glimpse of what was below me. Autowagons lined the street below. “OH SHIT!” My pupils shrank just before I landed inside of a vacant spot in rush hour. I slowed way down, shifting back into first.

Where to turn? Where to turn?

“Slam on the brakes, turn left,” DJ-Pon3 commanded.

My hoof hit the brake, earning a loud rev from the engine somehow, sending me sliding onto another street away from the traffic. I let out a breath I wasn’t aware I had been holding. The wingspan retracted.

This was turning into Manehattan city mayhem, but the rush was fantastic.

The sounds of sirens were completely drown out now. No more ponies around with nets ready to shock me. On the plus side one of the co-hosts was on my side. At least for now. “Thanks, whoever you are.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at what I had said. A complete stranger helping me out, just like Candle Light.

“Don’t mention it, seriously don’t, I’ll get in trouble!”

Pfffzzzzzt. Pffffzzzzzzt. Pfffzzzzzzt.

The radio cut out leaving everything around me quiet. However, that didn’t matter as the main road came into view. I’m back in the race! Sliding out onto the main road, I found O’Conner galloping towards the bridge which was still rather far. All around us buildings seemed to stretch up aimlessly.

We didn’t exchange any words. I think it goes without saying that we just wanted to get out of the city. Seeing our fellow fliers get taken down with such precision wasn’t something I liked being subjected to. With any luck though they’d only have their gliders compacted then be released with a slight slap on the hooves for street racing.

O’Conner cursed. My eyes fell to the rear view mirror. I cursed with him. There it was in full glory gaining on us like it was nopony’s business. O’Conner kept his attention split between the road and ponies gaining on us. “Koenigsegg spec ops autowagon with three coverts following.” I gave my friend a blank stare not understanding any of that. Scratch that. I understood that first word. The rest was over my head. “That’s the speed team that Twilight Sparkle put together a long time ago. They’re given some of the fastest autowagons to catch street racers with.”

Looks like DJ-Pon3 isn’t the only one with one of those super gliders. I mean autowagon. Super Autowagon. Get your terminology right, Runner.

Shit.

The super autowagon pulled up next to me. My hooves instinctively slammed on the brakes allowing me to fall behind the autowagon. The three covert autowagons following behind us went for O’Conner who went straight into oncoming traffic. Several loud horns blared at the stallion while one of the covert autowagons collided with another vehicle. A wagon pulled out from an intersection leaving O’Conner with one option. He jumped into the air, galloping over the vehicle just before another covert rammed into the side of it sending both vehicles into a spin. O’Conner landed on the ground, merging back with the correct flow of traffic.

My hooves were beginning to ache from all the shifting I was doing. The super autowagon in front of me wasn’t helping at all. It sped forward, sliding right in front of me in an attempt to keep me from going forward. I struck the gear shift several times putting my glider into fourth. Hitting the gas pedal a bit more I pushed off against the ground hearing fire explode out from the blocks while I lifted up over the autowagon.

As I galloped over the wagon I could see my hoof prints being left on top of it. I groaned loudly, not out of leaving evidence, but out of ruining such a good paint job! I hit the ground with a slight stumble before shifting back into second. From the way things were going the covert autowagons would box either me or O’Conner in.

I slid into my transparency spell. To my right was a road that stretched around several buildings until it rejoined the main road. Putting the Eclipse into third I turned right, leaving O’Conner to out run the autowagons. He didn’t need me to do deal with that.

Before I knew it the entire main road had disappeared leaving the sight of several older buildings. Along with a very nicely made brick road. Celestia bless this place! It was almost as nice as Canterlot.

A loud rev from what sounded like a super autowagon caught my attention. A very long groan escaped my lips. At this point I was considering taking off into the air, but knowing that there were still cops with gliders that left me trying to choose between two evils. Well. Two goods that I feel are evil. The window rolled down revealing a pony wearing a helmet with a black visor. “Pull over, we need to talk.” The voice speaking to me was female.

Oh, please let it be Not Important! Come on! Please.

The mare slowed down a bit and I did the same. She flipped her visor up, then removed the helmet letting her mane fall down. “Runner, I thought you said you were going to stay away from street racing.” Summer Breeze looked right at my eyes. It had to be her.

“That’s before I knew Bolt Action was in charge. Plus, I know he won’t leave my family alone,” I said coldly. I knew he wouldn’t. Especially Glider. He was going to kill her after this. I will make him go through me first. “He’s going to come after a close family member of mine.”

Summer Breeze just nickered. As if she knew a way out. Sadly, even if I’m doing this to help Discord I’m sure he couldn’t bail me out of jail. “So you accepted his challenge then. Or is it possibly DJ-Pon3’s challenge?” How did she know about … that’s a stupid question. Everyone knows DJ-Pon3 is an avid racer as well as master of the wubs. “I caught part of her broadcast to you. Not every day someone gets her attention like that.” I hummed in agreement.

There was a pause.

We both knew that one of us had to go down. Summer Breeze, however, had a look of sympathy on her face. “Runner, I’m giving a chance to walk away. Don’t make the same mistake Rusty made. Please.” I shook my head to decline.

“I can’t let Bolt Action go knowing what he’ll do after this race.”

Summer Breeze slid her helmet back on. Her visor went down over her eyes. We didn’t have anything left to talk about. My mind was made up and she knew that she’d have to stop me one way or another. “Runner,” she spoke softly. “You better kill me, because if you don’t I will come after you.” I know she would. After all it doesn’t take a genius to put Rusty’s profile, plus his last crime, together with my profile. Should have been more careful working with him, but shit happens.

I revved the Eclipse’s engine, preparing to bolt. Summer Breeze revved her engine loudly. Everything around us felt like it was shaking a little. My back hoof slammed the brake, pulling me to a sudden halt while Summer Breeze sped straight past me. Glad that worked, sadly that’s my only trick to avoid that stupid autowagon. I struck the gear stick into second, then third. Galloping to the left I turned down a road connecting me right back to the main street.

By the time I got back to the main road Daring had joined up with O’Conner and Glider. As for everyone else I assumed they were still in the city. Knowing them they probably had a good idea of where other exits were. I’m pretty sure Diesel Fuel at least knew several other ways out.

Daring jumped onto the Eclipse’s hood, wrapping her hoof around the ‘oh shit’ bar. “Was that who I think it was?” Oh. Goodie she knows who Summer Breeze is. Thank Celestia I don’t have to explain her to Daring. I hummed to her. “Then we better get moving.”

My hooves kept putting as much speed as I could muster up. As we galloped towards the end, Glider spotted something, O’Conner moved to the left of us while the Koenigsegg rolled out right in front of the bridge. Glider flew right over it while several bullets found their way into her wing, her real wing, not the metal ones she was using to race with. O’Conner followed suit.

“You don’t have enough speed for that!” Daring pointed out the obvious. My hoof went straight to the NOS button. I saved the spray for when I needed it. And I need it now! As I pushed the button down everything blurred around me. With all my strength I pushed myself up simultaneously shifting into fourth then fifth.

My hooves planted themselves firmly on the super autowagon, cracking the windshield, before I came landing on top of the cement bridge. One of the covert autowagons lost control in panic of hitting the leader. The driver veered off to the left ramming the wall of a nearby bakery leaving the front of his vehicle totally thrashed.

Several autowagons coming towards me panicked. One of them tried to stop while Summer Breeze came roaring behind me. She swerved to the right, narrowly avoiding the vehicle, only to have her bumper nicked. Several parts broke off from the Koenigsegg, one of which flung itself forward stabbing my Eclipses hood, Daring rolled off just in time to take off into the air. I prepared to use the last bit of NOS.

Summer Breeze sped past me, moving right in front of me with the tail lights flashing red. Tires screeched next to us. I had enough time to look over at Glider, who was narrowly avoiding an oncoming autowagon, of which sped into our lane. With little time to react, Summer Breeze tried moving to the right only to have her left bumper T-boned sending her into a tail spin. I hit the NOS button, feeling my vision start to blur. My glider started to lift up, but kept me on the ground.

The Koenigsegg spun in front of me, my hooves went up in self-defense. As my hooves hit the machine the rest of it went spinning over the edge of the bridge. I turned my head slowly, horrified, seeing Summer Breeze’s autowagon flung over the edge before it burst into flames. “No.” My glider finally picked up speed allowing me to lift off the ground.

*** ***

It was a miracle.

I made it past the finish line with the Eclipse after everything I had seen on that bridge. However, I was feeling rather upset. It wasn’t just seeing the super autowagon go up in flames. It was the fact that the part that ripped off of Summer Breeze’s machine lodged itself into very crucial components in my glider. In fact it wouldn’t even start now. Too much damage had been done. I was out of luck.

Actually my whole family was out of luck. Diesel Fuel’s RX-7 was busted just as much as mine was. Mostly from electrical damage that couldn’t be fixed by tonight. That was the other thing. The big finale to this race was taking place early in the morning. Just before sunrise.

Vin’s glider had crapped out to. After the beating it received during the fight with the Fireflies and going up against the cops well organized plan twice it was in dire need of repairs. It held together better than we had expected it to. Sadly, even with all of us working together it wasn’t going to be enough to get all of our gliders working. In fact most of our problems were just about the same which left us without the option to take parts out of each other’s gliders and jerry-rig an engine.

Even Lucky Clover’s engine was shot, actually, it was the wingspan to. His exact words were “King Sombra doesn’t play fair,” before spitting at the ground. From what I could guess he got hit with a spell without the others noticing. Guess that meant cheating was allowed to.

There was a bright side to all of this. There were still two others in the race. Daring got herself checked out. Just a few hours of rest with some well-earned medication was all it would take to put her back in the race. O’Conner made it out to. When Glider told me that I had a small smile on my face. Somehow she knew I was feeling a lot more joy than I was displaying.

The radio turned to static for a moment then played DJ-Pon3’s voice loud and clear. “How’s it going everypony? From what I hear we’ve got some very sad news,” she said somberly. “I’ve seen some footage of a fellow racer knocking what appears to be the leader Princess Twilight Sparkle’s prized speed team. I’ll be completely honest here. I don’t like cops. Never have. But to send them over a bridge burning to death, that’s a little harsh even for my taste.” Those words. Each one hurt like a knife being sent through me. I felt bad for what happened. I didn’t want to believe I was responsible for that death.

After all another autowagon sent her into a tail spin first. I guess it really doesn’t matter now. I believe that Summer Breeze wanted to be with Rusty and now she is. That put a smile on my face. Now they can rest in piece together.

A hoof slid around my neck. I didn’t jump. Glider pulled my muzzle so that I was looking at her. “So how does it feel being a wanted criminal now?” I dead panned. “Yeah, you get used to it.”

“I need a drink.” I shrugged her off, heading for the bar.

One good thing to this race was everyone here had something they were wanted for. No pony would dare turn any pony in. There was one thing bugging me though. The fact that the cops pinned Summer Breeze’s death on me. I’ve outran a lot of things in my life, but somehow this one was going to be the one thing I couldn’t outrun.

I walked out of the elevator running into O’Conner. He pulled me to the side even though I was in no mood to speak with him right now. Or any pony really. “Hey,” he said in a calming voice. He had me take a seat with him at the bar. “Listen, I feel you. I know you want to kick some ass, but anytime you’re gonna feel like this, all I ask, just come to me and we can talk this shit out.”

Gone.

All my anger. Just gone.

I blinked slowly, keeping my attention solely on O’Conner. Man. This guy. This guy never ceases to amaze me. I was speechless in front of him. With a polite nod, I turned my head to the television. O’Conner gave me a pat on the shoulder before taking his leave. Once he was gone I could finally think of something to say. “Thanks.”

I paused.

There was one thing I needed. I pushed myself away from the bar galloping off to find O’Conner.

Down the elevator, through the parking garage. Eventually, I found him near a garage rented out to him until the race started. I stepped up to him, without alerting him to my presence.

All I could do was watch him work on the Supra. It was tuned. Fully tuned by now. I didn’t need my spell to know that. This guy was a great mechanic and knew what he was doing. Somehow his Supra Mark IV still looked as amazing as the day I first saw it. “Hey,” I spoke up. O’Conner looked up at me with a smile. “You got a minute?” He waved me in.

“Do you think I did it?”

I had to know. What did other ponies think of that accident? O’Conner shook his head. “Nah.” That put me at ease. I knew that he couldn’t do anything for me. Honestly, trying to clear my name would more than likely put him at risk, and I couldn’t do that to him. I thanked him earnestly. “Sometimes all we need in life is someone willing to listen.”

“And smile,” I answered back.

O’Conner chuckled with a nod. My eyes fell to the Supra. It was one of the most amazing gliders I had ever seen. In fact it deserved to reach the finish line. “O’Conner … I need a glider, mine’s not going to make it.” I started to frown, but stopped. I smiled.

He looked at me very closely. His hoof tapped the Supra several times. I doubt he had a glider here, but I was never one to lose hope. Not anymore. His hoof pushed the keys over to me. “You’re giving me the keys to the Supra?” That was his glider though. I couldn’t just use this one. Any other glider, but not this one.

O’Conner looked at me with his ocean blue eyes. There wasn’t a smile on his face though. I could see it in him though. Actually I could see a lot. He didn’t accept handouts either, but this wasn’t a handout. “I’m a sucker for a good smile.” I took the keys in my hoof and just stared at them. No words could ever describe how good I was feeling right now. This stallion felt like a brother to me. No pony could say otherwise. “On two conditions.” I froze. “Cross the finish line with Daring, because you guys are stronger together. And bring that Supra back to me in one piece.”

All I could do was nod. I’d do all of that. He was giving me a chance that I wouldn’t screw up. Not now. Not ever. O’Conner took the keys from my hoof. “I’ll keep an eye on the Supra, go get some rest.”

*** ***

Daring stood outside my hotel room, which was odd for this situation. After all the hotel gave a room to every racer still in the race for free. I inserted my key into the door staring at her. “We should … probably stay in the same room … in case Sombra decides to take out the competition … that makes sense right?” There was a huge smug look on Daring’s face. It made me think about Glider’s comment about playing the pipes. I need a silencing spell.

“Don’t worry,” she cooed close to my ear. “It makes sense.” She followed me into the room a little sluggish than I was used to seeing her. I helped guide her to a bed, letting her curl up with her saddle bags. “Sorry, I’m not much for entertainment right now.” I held up my hoof, letting her put her head back down while I went into the restroom. Cool refreshing water splashed against my face.

My hoof remained on my muzzle while I slowly looked at myself in the mirror. I couldn’t believe what I saw. For once in my life I felt right. Aside from being a wanted criminal I felt just fine. Ready to kick some ass was a regular feeling now, which I was beginning to enjoy!

I trotted out of the restroom, turning off the light with my tail, then returned to Daring who was digging inside of her saddle bags. After a minute of rummaging, Daring pulled out Swordmares issues twenty one through thirty one. My jaw dropped a little. I put down my saddle bags on her bed. “Thanks! Just put them in here, I’ll read them later.” Daring gave me a loopy smile while opening my bags. Her hooves put the new issues inside, but after a moment of staring at something she pulled out a magazine.

I must have left one of my older comics in the bag. Shrugging it off I let my body hit the other bed. Daring cleared her throat, earning my attention despite my eyes closing. “This one’s a little light on the reading, but it has some very interesting pictures.” I opened my eyes slowly.

What the hell is she talking about? All of my comics have a decent mix of dialogue and action.

I turned my head feeling my eyes widen. My jaw dropped. “I swear to Celestia and Luna, Silver Shoe threw that out!” It was Wing Boner magazine. There were tears in Daring’s eyes, not from feeling bad, but from the laughing fit she was trying to hold back.

“Oh, so these are the kinds of mares you’re into.” There was a light hum from her. Daring continued flipping through the pages while my horn lit up. “Calm down, I’m just messing with you. And from what I’m seeing here I’m pretty sure Silver Shoe is screwing with you to.” She laughed a little. Her hooves crumpled the magazine up before throwing it into the trashcan. There was a satisfying thud that made me smile. Good riddance.

I put my head down on a pillow slowly closing my eyes.

“One question though,” Daring asked making me open my eyes again. “Why were those pages stuck together?”

Umm.

“I swear to Celestia and Luna I’m being framed!”

Touge

Chapter Twenty Nine: Touge

Air slowly filled my lungs with each passing second. I exhaled just as slow. My eyes were glued to the glass windows that made up the elevator. This was the night I had been waiting for. The only thing standing in my way now is King Sombra.

Daring placed a hoof on my shoulder. I faced her. “Listen, Daring. When we get to Bolt Action something heavy will be going down. You sure you want to do this?” Her response was to cock her pistol. The look in her eyes reassured me that she was all the backup I needed.

However there was still the matter of bits that scared me. Daring was a mare that had a lot of bits, but she could always use more. After coming out of her medicated state she made sure to mention that she was going for the bits should she pass the finish line first, that just told me I needed to be faster, by the time we got to Bolt Action I was sure his remaining Reapers would be there to greet us.

Ding.

The elevator doors slid open. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing though. Daring and I were the only other fliers racing Sombra in this portion of the Cannonball Run. Part of me was glad I had the scales tipped in my favor. With Daring ready to get revenge on that former tyrant I’m more than positive we’ll have what it takes to bring him down during the race.

“Any advice,” I asked her rhetorically.

“Don’t get shot,” she said flatly.

I walked out of the elevator giving her a very mixed look. Daring sighed. “Don’t get shot.” She kissed the side of my muzzle. “I’m getting some extra supplies.” Once I registered what was going on she trotted away.

Oh. OH! Don’t get shot.

“I won’t,” I said to no pony specific. I kept walking through the bar. Lucky Clover and Vin folded out of a poker game giving me concerned looks. I mentioned earlier to them that I was going to cross the finish line with Daring. No pony else.

Yes, it was a crazy plan. But I honestly don’t expect to be back with the army Bolt Action has waiting at his command. Not to mention if the cops catch wind of the race’s finish line they’ll be more than I can handle. There was literally no out if things went bad. The only thing I knew for sure was that Daring Adventure would make it out alive even if I didn’t.

She’s family to. I will put my life on the line for family.

Glider walked up next to me. Concern was written all over her face. She argued with me. So did Diesel Fuel, but I stood firm against them both until they realized I wouldn’t put anymore family members in danger, least of all Glider, who I knew for a fact was a target if Bolt Action got away. “I’m sorry,” Glider muttered to me. “I wanted to cross that finish line with you.” I wanted her to cross it with me to, but her wings had been shot during the second part of the race. Plus her glider wasn’t running the way it desperately needed to be.

Lucky Clover gave me a shove. “Hey, good luck out there. You do what you have to do.” A hoof pointed at his eyes, then pointed at me. I smiled at that.

Vin put his arm around me. “Never would have thought we’d be here with you. You’ve come a long way since the train robbery.” That warmed my heart. If I somehow survived this then I was ready to relax with my entire family.

I left them by the hotel, heading straight for the Supra Mark IV left out by my brother. No matter how many times I say that it never gets old. O’Conner gave me a wave from across the road. The keys were left in the trunk. Once I was good to go I strapped myself to it, sliding the key in the ignition to start the easy lift system, everything around me hummed to life.

Approaching me without a comforting smile was Diesel Fuel. His muscles blocked my view from the rest of the family. A low beeping from the computer screen pulled our attentions to it. The race went through the sky then through some cave ending at the Crystal Empire. Ending where it all started. It’s almost poetic, but I don’t believe in that bull shit! I do believe in vengeance though.

Diesel Fuel tapped the edge of the glider gaining my attention once again. His necklace was noticeably not around his neck. That wasn’t usual. “Runner,” he said deeply his eyes looking at the screen, “when this is over, no matter what happens, we’ll meet in the Badlands.” Understood. I gave him an understanding nod. He reached his hoof out to me. I reached mine out to his and he wrapped his necklace around my hoof. “You better return this.” I didn’t have time to say anything, he just turned and walked away.

The necklace found its way around my neck. It somehow looked nice hanging near my chest. “I’ll return it,” I muttered so low only I could hear myself speaking. “Promise.” A loud grumble from what I recognized as the unmarked glider drew me out of my prayer to Celestia and Luna. King Sombra pulled up next to me not even once batting an eye my direction. The poor bastard would get what was coming to him as well. At least if Daring Adventure had anything to say about it.

Speaking of Daring, where was the embodiment of adventure anyway?

As I turned my head, said mare walked passed me with three glowing pills. NOS pills. I’d seen them once or twice before that night in Fillydelphia, but this time I could see them up close. Daring showed them to me. Each one glistened blue looking pale on the inside. According to Glider those types of pills worked like a NOS system for a glider. Best part was there was no negative side effects to using them as long as you use them one at a time.

All three of us approached the starting line. A drop dead gorgeous mare with a blindingly yellow coat stepped out from behind us holding a checkered flag in her mouth. She held it out. I revved the engine so loudly I got O’Conner to smile. On the other side of the street Diesel Fuel had the faintest grin tugging at the side of his face. My eyes fell back to the gorgeous mare.

BRIGHT LIGHTS!

Autowagon lights flashed on with red and blue flashes all around us. The mare threw down the flag which was all the incentive I needed to gallop. King Sombra galloped past me with his loud rumbling glider. Something tapped the back bumper sending me into a blinding tail spin. Daring galloped past me, biting down on a NOS pill, before lifting off into the air.

Lucky Clover shoved Glider into the hotel while he shouted out to every pony. “Oh man, we got cops, cops, cops, cops, cops! GO!”

Fireworks went off into the air lighting up the area around the starting line. Cops were everywhere. My hooves reacted. I bolted past the checkered flag on the ground, shifting into first then hitting the gas pedal to lift me right off the ground. Before I knew it I was scrapping the edges of clouds.

*** ***

So that’s how you want to play it Sombra, game on.

The feeling of flying a fully tuned Supra was fantastic. My reaction time was better than ever. So much so that I narrowed the gap between me and the tyrant faster than he would have liked. Lucky for me, we were too high up for his crystals to do anything.

My computer screen beeped. I looked down seeing a pink marker appear. My gaze turned to a pink racing marker in the sky telling us where to go. I’ll be the first to admit that this is the first time I’ve seen a race use markers. It wasn’t long before the turbos started kicking in. Sombra’s glider might be unmarked with no tradition name, but he still needs the same parts every glider needs.

I’ve never dealt with three turbos before, in fact my only encounter with that kind was the day in the glider factory. From what I could tell. The longer Sombra stays in the lead the harder it will be to pass him. My hoof hit the NOS button. I had three boosts. Now two.

My vision blurred while I inched my way past King Sombra. His look of disgust was all I needed to see to put a smug smile on my face. I shifted into third, then fourth. The speedometer kept a steady pace going on up to one hundred ten miles an hour.

From the sound of the engine behind me, Sombra was rapidly closing in while we passed through another check point. Several hundred yards ahead of us another marker appeared. Daring somehow managed to put a huge lead on both of us. Not that I was rooting for her or anything, but that was amazing.

Inching my way forward with blurred vision I slowly began to feel the spray wearing off. By the time it wore off I was neck and neck with Daring Adventure. She smiled at me, at least I thought she did, with her head kept tucked. Her helmet was missing. Most likely stashed in her bags. “What took you so long?” There was a hint of coy teasing in her voice. I just rolled my eyes while inching the gas pedal back.

A flash in the rear view mirror drew my gaze. CRAP! “A SPELL!” Daring and I dove down, both of us dropping speed, in an attempt to avoid being hit. The red light screeched past us both without doing any harm. Thank Celestia we weren’t hit! In the midst of our recovery I caught a glimpse of my speedometer dropping down to sixty wing power. Overheard, Sombra was flying right over us, the turbos from his glider roaring out at us.

With a careful use of my transparency spell I could see four turbos. My jaw dropped. A muscle glider with four turbos. That was something I wasn’t expecting to race any time soon. He must have supped it up a hell of a lot more! I slid out of my transparency spell shaking off the slight amazement I felt seeing that much power under one hood.

Daring got ready to pop another pill. I put my hoof on her shaking my ahead with disapproval. With a light groan she let the pill fall back into place around her neck. We passed through the next checkpoint raising up higher into the air. I shielded my eyes as we busted through the cloud cover.

As I moved my hoof away I felt my heart nearly stop beating. Sweet Celestia the sun was a beautiful sight to behold. I had only ever seen rays ever so often, but not this. Daring had a bright smile on her face. It had been a while since she had experienced it to. Inside my rearview mirror I could see clouds filling up the space we had busted open.

My hoof struck the gear shifter sending me into fourth while I slowly picked up enough speed to close in on Sombra. He attempted to fire another spell, but I was quick on my flying hooves, just in the nick of time I conjured up a protection spell to take the entire hit. Daring seemed a little impressed by that! Then we both spied where the race was taking us. The reason the race took us above the clouds.

Moving away from us, with check points following it, was the floating cloud city known as Cloudsdale. Daring’s home. It was beautiful. From a distance I could see amazing architecture built from the clouds themselves. This was crazy. Something tells me that DJ-Pon3 picked this portion of the race. That mare has taste and style.

We drew closer and closer to it. My eyes kept stealing glances at Daring. She looked to be okay with hints of a smile tugging at her face. It was nice to see her smile. With my focus back on the race we both began closing in on Sombra as he galloped along the puffy cloud road.

Daring flew past a cop standing guard by the weather making factory, the moment they looked at each other it was on, sirens began going off all around us. I caught up to Daring again after falling behind a little. My hooves touched down on the cloudy road, and I’ll be damned, the horseshoes actually kept me on the cloud! By the time I looked up we passed through another checkpoint.

King Sombra wasted no time busting through the cloud, leaving a giant hole where he had gone through, in an attempt to reach the next checkpoint first. Daring had a pained look on her face. I could tell she wanted to race here just a bit more, but as it would turn out we weren’t staying here long.

We dove down the hole Sombra had made, hearing sirens wail behind us, as the tyrant passed through another checkpoint. My hoof hovered over the red button. “Daring, grab on.” She looked at me then barrel rolled over to the ‘oh shit’ bar. Her hoof wrapped firmly around it while I pushed the button.

With blurred vision I listened to the sounds of sirens slowly slip behind us, little by little, until they were no longer close enough for us to hear them. A spell flew straight for us. I dove down under it, my vision still blurred, the only thing I could hear was the sound of cops being shot out of the sky. By the time my vision returned to normal I could see the pegasi returning to their floating city.

Sadly, leaving Cloudsdale meant leaving behind the sunshine. In the moments after using the spray, the clouds had built back up over the hole keeping Equestria in dark cloud cover. Daring pushed off of the Supra, biting down on her second of three NOS pills, before shooting off past me. As she passed Sombra she unintentionally made him loose his balance. That gave me a brief moment to catch up.

I shifted into fifth while the speedometer slowly approached one hundred thirty wing power. The moment I passed through the next checkpoint I put Sombra in my rear view mirror. Once his balance had been regained his four turbos started giving him more than enough power to reach us again.

All three of us started flying down, straight to the ground, where the next checkpoint was. With the speed we were flying at it felt like going straight down on a rollercoaster! My eyes twitched a little almost to the point of closing. I pulled up just in time to hit the check point and miss the ground. For a brief moment I passed Daring, only to be passed by her and then Sombra in the next second. That forced a groan out of me.

The next checkpoint hovered in front of a narrow cave entrance only big enough for one pony to fit through at a time. Sombra went in first, I followed right behind him putting myself ahead of Daring, and then Daring followed through behind me. My headlights flashed on giving us enough light to at least see where the turns were. Lucky for us they weren’t very wide.

O’Conner’s words rang through my head. Bring the Supra back in one piece he had said to me. With that in mind my eyes slowly turned to the wingspan keeping an eye out for how close I was getting to the rugged walls.

Sombra’s glider scrapped the wall sending sparks flying all around us. Both Daring and I covered out eyes from the failed firework show in front of us. I eased off the gas putting a bit more distance between us and him. All three of us exploded out from the cave’s mouth.

My heart stopped.

Toxin as far as the eye could see sloshed around in what was now a giant bowl. Buildings over two hundred years old sat half submerged with protection spells that had faded quite some time ago. Cranes were toppled over, some shoved into buildings, while toxin ate away at their metal structures. Daring grabbed me tightly, barrel rolling us out of a buildings path. “Runner, pay attention!” I hummed while she let go me, letting us both regain our balance. A crane snapped under stress, it’s long neck crashing down on top of a building while we both flew underneath it.

I down shifted, seeing a building buckle under pressure, Daring followed me into a loop around the crane’s neck while the building splashed up a large bubble of toxin. As we came out from our stunt we immediately shot up and over the contaminated substance. By the time my eyes got a layout of the land I could make out Sombra having just as difficult a time as we were.

We locked eyes with the tyrant long enough for him to fire a spell at a building we started to fly by. The entire structure moaned loudly collapsing down towards us. Both Daring and I barrel rolled to the right while I conjured a protection spell around us. Toxin splashed up all around us, covering the spell like wildfire, Daring moved closer to me. My magic exploded sending the toxin back where it came from.

I started to levitate up my pistol. Daring put a hoof on my shoulder. “Let the environment be the weapon.” I could unload a clip right at him. Daring’s determined look convinced me otherwise. The pistol floated back into my holster.

My hoof struck the gear shifter putting me back in fifth. I took off towards Sombra while Daring got ready to bite down on another pill. There as a moment of hesitation before she let her final pill fall back into place around her neck. We swerved around a few different cranes before they collapsed into a building knocking the cement structure down into the rocky wall.

Toxin continued to slosh around us, bubbles popping up everywhere, buildings began collapsing while two hundred year old protection spells gave way to the acid. Daring slipped in behind Sombra using his slip stream to slowly pull herself closer to him. As she got within striking distance a huge bubble, sending ripples in the acid, rose up from the deepest depths of the toxin looking more disgusting than a giant snot bubble.

Daring Adventure couldn’t stop. My horn lit up, sending pain through my head before engulfing Daring in the largest most dense protection spell I could conjure up. Her body shot forward, using the protection spell to burst through the goo like it was nothing but a cloud ready to be busted. Toxin flew everywhere forcing me to rise up and over a building.

With my gaze slowly going up I felt my heart rate pick up. A building came crashing down towards me. The wingspan collapsed inside while it broke open a pair of double doors. My hooves galloped along a fancy room leading me to another balcony. The Supra let out a mighty hum while I busted through the balcony doors right as the building hit the toxin sending a wave of it towards me. The wingspan ejected back out as fast as it could. I struck the gas pedal back sending me flying at one hundred thirty wing power.

Toxin smashed down around me, burning through every structure as I fled the scene, everything groaned in my ears before it all came crashing down. Daring shoved King Sombra towards me, I ducked under him, looking into my rear view mirror with a terrified look on my face. His horn lit up getting ready to fire. Every structure I had passed under came crashing down on the tyrant pushing him down into the toxins depths.

Daring and I flew through the next check point right into another cave. Two sticky bombs dropped out of her saddle bags blinking bright red. “Heads up!” It took us less than a minute to put ourselves far enough away from the bombs while they tore apart the entrance. Even if the tyrant did some how come back again, he wouldn’t be getting out anytime soon.

*** ***

Daring’s wings were aching now, I was beginning to get to her, she looked at me while biting down on her last NOS pill. I used the last of my spray the moment I spied her doing that. We both shot forward with our visions blurred, lake water parted underneath us while our hooves traced the top of the water, our bodies rose up passing through another check point.

“Is that the best you’ve got,” Daring questioned brimming with determination.

“Not even close,” I shot back full of confidence.

We passed two large crystals shining in the cold leading us straight to the Crystal Empire’s castle. The last check point was sitting on top of the castle itself. It looked like a dump. Like an explosion had ripped the entire tip of the castle into a platform of junk.

I shifted into sixth, the last and final gear. The Supra hummed loudly as I passed Daring Adventure. Somehow, with great speed, she passed me heading straight up the castle. I followed after her trying to close in.

“This is what racing is all about,” DJ-Pon3’s voice called out from my radio, “Two ponies determined to win it all, pushing each other to where no other pony could push you!”

The radio cut out while Daring folded her wings in at the top. I flew up over the edge, retracting the wingspan as I landed on my hooves, sliding towards the finish line with Daring. Her neck stretched out, breaking the tape that served as the line, while we both slid to a stop near two pedestals.

Our breathing became fast pants. My heart beating faster than it ever had before. Second place. I made it in second place. “Good race,” I muttered to her hiding my joy. Daring smiled at me.

“You totally had me,” she wheezed between pants.

Nah. She beat me fair and square. Although this wouldn’t be the last time I raced her, not by a long shot. Put her in second place next time we race. I chuckled at her while she placed her pith helmet on her head. The edge of a crumbled wall chipped off while I stared down at the bottom. My head spun a little forcing me to turn away. I unstrapped myself from the Supra, letting the kick stands eject out to keep its balance.

The sound of clapping hooves drew mine and Daring’s attention to the stallion I hadn’t been able to track for the past several days. There he was. Standing there in his snake skin jacket with a contagious charismatic smile going ear to ear. On Daring’s face I could see that she desperately wanted the sack of bits sitting on a pedestal so small we were both surprised the bits didn’t spill over. Next to it was a tarp covering the prize I wanted. Bolt Action looked at me then at Daring. “Congratulations Daring Adventure, you have won the Cannonball Run. Please, pick your prize.”

I tensed up. Seeing Daring look at the two prizes with sparkles in her eyes. It was beginning to scare me. We had a mission after all. Well. No. I had a mission. Daring was free to choose whatever she wanted.

Bolt Action approached his beautiful prize, pulling the tarp down, letting the Alicorn Sphere pulse bright blue light. Seeing it in person was truly a sight to behold. Not in an amazement sort of way, but in a terrified sort of way. What that stallion’s family had created was an abuse of power. It affects the weather permanently. It could more than likely let you use age spells or any spells that were ethically wrong.

I watched Daring approach the sphere. Her eyes were practically sparkling like a constellation in the night sky. At least they looked bright in the books I had read. “So this will really turn me into an Alicorn?” My heart start pumping faster at her question.

“Just push the metal sphere halves together.”

Taking the sphere in her hooves, Daring sat back on her haunches. Oh sweet Celestia please don’t let Daring use that cursed device. She turned to the bits. Daring Adventure turn faced me. Her hooves traced the sphere halves several times. I swallowed.

Daring tossed the sphere to me.

I caught it in my levitation field telekinetically floating it next to my head. No words could describe the look on Bolt Action’s face while Daring pointed my sawed off shotgun at him. She tossed it over his head while I caught it in my hooves. “You thought I was going to fight fair?” I cracked the gun open. Slid one shell inside it. Snapped it shut.

It didn’t take him long to figure out what I knew.

The Alicorn Sphere replaced the shotgun in my hooves. I gripped the metal halves tightly, feeling them slide a little. They slid a little more. The power of an Alicorn should remain that. Power for only an Alicorn. No pony should abuse it.

Click.

“Runner.”

I looked up from the sphere. Daring was surrounded by guards armed to the teeth with weapons. So was I. No way out. Bolt Action’s smug smile was aimed directly at me. “You thought I was going to be here alone?” No. Actually I was kind of counting on it. “Yes. I knew you weren’t going to fight fair. If I’m not then why should you?”

One of the guards shoved my head with a shotgun. He looked dazed, crazy even. Doctor Psychotic! Mine levitated down to the ground. I gave the psychopath the sphere watching him toss his gun to one of the other dozen armed ponies. They all had bullet proof vests on to. Bolt Action cleared his throat. “Miss Adventure, Runner. I want you both to witness the birth of a new Alicorn.” The stallion I knew as Doctor Psychotic slammed the metal halves together. My horn lit up.

Daring and I were engulfed in two protection spells that made my head hurt like hell. I won’t let us get hurt by that thing. I’ve seen what it can do. Discord’s seen what it can do. Anyone that has seen what it can do knows what’s coming next.

Magic swirled around mixed with screaming from the guards. The pale light grew bright and brighter. So much so that I had to close my eyes with my hoof blocking the view. I could still picture it. Inside all of that light was a stallion no longer holding a sphere, because it had begun floating on its own accord, everything around us became so bright I was ready to bury my head inside of my saddle bags, all I knew was that this was going to be big.

Light exploded out in every direction, screams filling my ears, thankfully Daring’s wasn’t one of them. Somehow amongst all the mayhem I could sense Daring Adventure was safely protected behind my spell. I opened my eyes, but then snapped them shut. Blindingly bright blue magic followed with another explosion of bombastic sounds.

*** ***

I cautiously opened my eyes to what lay ahead of me. My protection spell was torn to bits, but it served its purpose. From the smile on Daring’s face she had made it out without a scratch. Bolt Action had a spell of his own protecting him, but no matter how strong it had been it was in the same state mine was. As I dropped the remaining spell around me I took in the sight of just the two of them.

Every guard that had been around me was now nothing more than a pile of ash being blown away in the wind. Whether it was good or bad the sphere had done exactly what I assumed it would do. The schematics and memory jewel showed me that the magic in every nearby unicorn or pegasus would get drawn into the pony using the sphere. With the sphere only being near completion during its first real use it didn’t work the way it was supposed to so instead it created the infected.

“What did you do?” Bolt Action looked at every pile of ash one by one. There was no charismatic smile on his face. No joy. Nothing. Our gazes both turned to the Alicorn Sphere still floating in the air. Cracks began forming around it until it hit the ground shattering into a dozen pieces.

With my horn fully aglow I telekinetically ripped the rest of the machine apart before tossing the pieces off the castle. Bolt Action’s jaw slowly opened. His entire work just gone. He shook his head. “That was my family’s legacy you runt!” Daring got ready to use her pistol, but I shot her a look demanding her not to do anything. I nudged my head at the staircase near Bolt Action. She quietly walked over to it, keeping an eye out for more guards. This guy was all mine.

My hoof wrapped around a metal shard that had fallen from a wall after the explosion. I looked Bolt Action dead in the eyes. “You turned this into a goddess damned street fight!” Bolt Action picked up a metal shard near his hoof, wrapping it tightly in his grip.

We galloped towards each other, my saddle bags dropping to the ground behind me, each one of us with revenge in our eyes. Both my hooves pushed my shard forward while he swung his into mine. The edge slapped me in the face putting me down against the ground. Bolt Action swung his shard down at me. I rolled to the right passing the shot gun. Bits of cement flung up from the ground while Bolt Action went for another swing.

My telekinesis swung my shard forward, blocking his attack, but also being bent into that of a metal boomerang. I rolled again hearing the loud clang of Bolt Action’s shard an inch from me. My hoof wrapped around the nearest thing it could find. I swung an extra-long wrench, smacking Bolt Action right in his smug charismatic face! The loud clang coming from the shard and wrench afterward was the most satisfying sound I had ever heard.

Bolt Action stood up, eating another wrench swing to the muzzle. I swung again and missed. With his horn lit up, Bolt Action fired a spell that I rolled away from only having my mane singed a little. The bastard tackled me, making me drop my wrench near the Supra, right into the bit bag pedestal sending the bag toppling over with gems spilling out everywhere.

My head hit the pedestal just in time for me to see Bolt Action swing in my direction. I rolled to the left hearing the shard smash the pedestal down. My hooves pushed off against the ground, throwing me right into the stallion, knocking him across the ground over to the Supra. His metal shard flung back into my wrench near the front bumper.

My hooves smashed into the stallion’s face OVER and OVER again! His back hoof bucked my stomach, knocking me away from him. Bolt Action grabbed the nearest thing he could find. His horn lit up, pulling the trigger on my shotgun while I dove out of its range. I landed against the ground rolling away from him in the process.

Someone yelped.

Bolt Action began panting faster than I was, but he wasn’t staring at me. I traced is gaze all the way back to Daring Adventure. Her body lying against the wall. My jaw dropped.

No. No. Not her!

I gritted my teeth together. With one swift swing of my hoof, I knocked Bolt Action to the ground. His horn lit up firing a spell into my stomach that threw me into a pile of debris near the Supra. Bolt Action charged at me again while I looked down at the front bumper. His shard and my wrench were lying right next to each other only a few feet away.

I slid across the Supra’s blocks while Bolt Action galloped around to the front bumper. Galloping at full speed I met him at the front bumper, crouching low to the ground. My right hoof wrapped around both the wrench and shard as I stood up.

WHACK!

I swung them right into Bolt Action’s jaw sending him falling back to the ground. My hoof threw them to the side while I leapt toward him. He tried to roll, but I pulled him back over by the end of his mane. I slammed my hoof into his face again. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN!

Bolt Action bucked me off, with his jacket being torn in the process, his anger ready to explode. I rolled back over to the sawed off shotgun he had used. My horn glowed brightly while I levitated the weapon over to my hooves. With what little focus I had not on Bolt Action, I levitated one more shell over. I cracked the gun open. Then snapped it shut.

Anger coursed through my veins, revenge fueling me even more than it ever had before. I looked back at Daring Adventure then at Bolt Action. My hooves brought the gun up aiming it at Bolt Action’s chest.

“ENOUGH!” A regal voice froze both of us where we stood.

Bolt Action stared at me and I stared back at him. That wasn’t Daring Adventure’s voice no matter how much I prayed it was. Our gazes reminded locked on each other while a white pegasus … no … an Alicorn with a sun cutie mark landed between us, her horn pointed fully glowing, her gaze locked on Bolt Action.

Next to me was an Alicorn black as night with a moon on her flank. I felt my jaw wanting to drop but it didn’t. Her horn glowed brightly in my direction while I took a few steps closer to the Supra.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna,” I found myself saying quietly. They were just as regal as I had read. Even more so this close up. My heart pounded like a drum.

Something out of the corner of my eye made me turn to Daring Adventure. Standing next to her with her horn glowing brightly was Princess Cadence. My heart wanted to explode with joy. Discord should be getting all of his abilities back by now if those three are up and moving.

My heart began to slow down. I couldn’t take my eyes away from Daring’s … moving fore hoof. She slowly got up staring at her vest.

“What,” Daring shouted at me. “You thought I’d really show up to this without bullet proof armor.” Lifting up part of her vest, she revealed a nearly ruined piece of bullet proof armor keeping her body safe from gunfire. My heart rate began to pick up. Daring looked at Cadence with her fore hooves up in defense.

Cadence’s horn slowly stopped glowing once she checked Daring Adventure for any wounds. Thankfully there wasn’t any wounds to be had. “Are you sure you’re okay?” The pink Alicorn looked Daring over again while being given a confident brimming smile.

With a look of complete confusion on her face, Princess Celestia had Luna take over watching both of us while she tried to piece together what was going on. The sky was still cloudy, but off in the distance it looked sunny. I mean it actually looked like there wasn’t a cloud in the sky near Ponyville. At least it was in that general area. “What is going on here,” Celestia asked turning to me.

It was an honor having her speak to me. Never in my wildest dreams had I ever pictured myself running into the one and only Princess Celestia. There was a brief pause between my jaw opening and words coming out. “I don’t even know where to being, Princess Celestia. You’ve been encased in stone for over two hundred years and Discord has taken over your job.” Her eyes widened. Obviously it was going to take some convincing, which I didn’t have time for as Bolt Action was trying to slip away.

“Why are you two fighting?”

Luna stepped in front of his path, keeping her horn pointed at him threateningly. I smiled at that. “Princess Celestia, Luna.” I looked at Cadence. “Cadence. That is Autumnal Den’s many great grandson. He killed my mother, blew up a safe zone called District Twelve and slaughtered hundreds of innocent ponies inside that same place all for the sake of fixing the Alicorn Sphere.” The second I mentioned the Alicorn Sphere all three of them were fully aware of what was going on. At the very least they knew they were picking up where they had left off over two hundred years ago.

It pained me to say this to them, but if it weren’t for Bolt Action the Princesses wouldn’t be here. “He managed to find the sphere and fix it, but thanks to a friend of mine I found the means to reverse everything it did. Just in case things went to worse I gave Discord the plans to finish it.” Princess Cadence looked at me curiously. I gave her a look that told her to talk to Discord for more answers. After all he was probably eavesdropping on us right now.

I cracked open my shotgun once again. This time however, I let the shell pop out. I wouldn’t be needing it anymore. Not when the Princesses were here to put this son of a bitch away for good.

Cops ran up the staircase and out into the open with their guns all pointed at us. It took them all a minute to register that the Princesses had all returned to them. Not just to them but to Equestria. My job was done. Princess Celestia pointed at Bolt Action. “Arrest that stallion for murder and treason.”

Bolt Action shot a charismatic smile my way while the cops surrounded him. In all the confusion I was the only one to notice Daring Adventure sliding a few spilled over bits into her saddle bags. That’s my mare. My gaze went to Bolt Action. “This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.” His horn lit up. His entire body exploded into magic.

NO! Damn it.

My teeth grinded together a bit, but then stopped. There was still one thing I could do. My horn lit up while I carefully looked over the edge. With my transparency spell working at fully capacity I could see through the ground. Subway tunnels were set up everywhere, one of which stood out to me, one of them lead right out of the city.

Bolt Action was cunning. Smart. Charismatic. Everything I wasn’t. I might not be the smartest pony in the world, but being a thief meant I could spot an escape plan a mile away. That was his escape plan.

“Hey, that’s the stallion that killed Summer Breeze!”

I looked at the cops. My hooves sprinted forward while I levitated Daring with me. Sliding underneath the Supra, I strapped myself to it before throwing the machine off the edge with my body going right with it. Daring held tightly to the hood, her hoof wrapped in the ‘oh shit’ bar.

*** ***

My hooves frantically shook the closed bars along the entrance to the subway system. Daring rammed her shoulder into the gate causing it to rattle loudly in the darkness. We took a few steps back then flung our bodies into it only to fall back on our hooves. I could make out Bolt Action slowly walking by, his smile irritating both of us.

“I’ll make sure to make Showering Stone’s death a slow and painful one just for you.” Bolt Action shook his head at me. That smug bastard had magical locks on all the doors. I could not do a thing to him. My hooves slammed the bars making them all rattle. Light shown down into the subway letting me catch a glimpse of Bolt Action’s charismatic smile.

Lights flashed on further down the tunnel.

Daring and I turned our heads away while Bolt Action put his hoof up in defense. His glider rattled a little. Hidden in the pitch black tunnel ahead I couldn’t tell what was there. Just light. It wasn’t a train. I know for a fact Bolt Action would have used it to escape if it was an option. “What is this?” Bolt Action started up his glider with a low hum. The wingspan slowly ejected out. His back hoof revved the engine slowly. It hummed unimpressively. I slowly turned my gaze to the lights being shown in our direction.

VEEEEEEEEERMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

VEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

The windows from a nearby train rattled loudly with the bars in front of me. My heart began to slow its pace dramatically. I didn’t want to look away, but I had to see the look on Daring’s face. With a slow turn to her, I could see the same facial expression on her face. It sounded like nine hundred horses of power. All being aimed at Bolt Action.

Bolt Action slammed the gas pedal back, fire exploding out the blocks, his entire glider accelerated forward. He wasn’t playing a game of chicken though. This stallion wasn’t the type to gamble. He was going to dodge!

The lights down the tunnel got brighter and brighter as the vehicle behind it all sped out towards us. As Bolt Action moved to the right everything, even time itself, felt like it was slowing down to a standstill.

The front wheels of the Dodge Charger, now fully visible, lifted up off the ground roaring louder than I could have ever imagined.

VEEEEEEEERUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

As the wheels came crashing back down to the ground the Charger ripped off half of Bolt Action’s wing span, sparks flying in every direction, with a loud metallic crunch. The stallion was sent into a tailspin putting him right into the wall at fifty wing power, the other part of the wingspan being ripped off against the cement, before several boulders came down to crush the rest of it. Then, as if on que, time resumed its flow.

With all four wheels back on the ground the Charger came to a stop, its engine roaring loudly again, before Diesel Fuel bucked open the door. Sludge hammer in hoof.

Bolt Action pushed himself up off the ground, shakily getting on all four hooves. His glider was demolished. There wasn’t any more escape routes now. No running. Diesel Fuel took several threatening steps towards him. His voice was gruff. “Didn’t anyone ever teach you never mess with a stallion’s family?” I learned that lesson a long time ago. My father taught it to me.

With anger and hatred in his eyes, Bolt Action faced Diesel Fuel, nearly being dwarfed by his muscles. His hoof slowly pointed in my direction. “I told your little runt the same thing.”

Diesel Fuel looked at me. Then met Bolt Action’s gaze. His charisma wouldn’t ever work on this stallion. Unlike a lot of other stallions out there this silver tongued bastard couldn’t talk his way through Diesel Fuel. The only way to do that was with a sludge hammer or a good race. “A legacy doesn’t make a family. You should know that.” Bolt Action felt his muzzle. Blood ran down a cut while a few shards of glass fell from his mane. “You thought Runner had a mean streak, well stick around, mine’s about to get a lot meaner.” Diesel Fuel tossed the sledge hammer up catching it with one hoof.

Bolt Action lit up his horn. Only to have it slowly fade. His magic had limits to. After what we went through it was about time I saw just how far his magic could reach before it crapped out. Celestia knows I found my limits.

“On the ground now!” “Everybody stay where you are!” Cops burst through the remaining openings armed to the teeth. I frantically looked around noticing there was far too many of them to fight off. Daring bit down on my ear tugging me away from the tunnel.

Diesel Fuel threw the sludge hammer inside the Charger before peeling off down the tunnel he came in from.

*** ***

I circled around the Crystal Empire’s castle one more time taking in all the sights. As I rounded the ruined portion, aiming myself towards Ponyville, my radio began acting up again. Daring fiddled with it for a moment until it came to life. “Runner,” DJ-Pon3 said slowly. “I know this isn’t what you had in mind, but here’s a consolation prize. Look at the tower ahead of you.”

With nothing to lose I focused my attention on the radio tower I was flying towards. In the window. Was a mare with layered blue hair and a brimming smile almost as nice as O’Conner’s. “Daring,” she said softly. “I know this isn’t worth a bag of bits, but ask any radio station to put you in contact with Broken Record. She’s … well she’ll do you any one favor for winning the race. Anything you want.” The radio cut out while the mare waved to us. There was a smile on my face while we passed the tower.

I think I know who that was. Master of the wubs.

*** ***

It had been a while since I saw my mother’s grave site, but I figured that Daring deserved to see the place Silver Shoe and I used to hang out at. The place hadn’t changed at all. At least I don’t think it had. Other than the second story practically sliding out like a loose shelf in a book case this bar was still in decent rickety shape.

The Supra was on the ground waiting for us to return. I didn’t have much time to get back to Ponyville before the Princesses did. With my record I had a feeling they would be gunning for my ass the second I was debriefed by Discord. I still wanted to show Daring Adventure this place though. She nuzzled my neck a little. “So what the hell did you do back there?” Of course she noticed.

“Remember the night we were tortured?” That night still burned in my head. Dead Eye was probably even smarter than Bolt Action. They were equally terrifying, but Dead Eye met his challenges head on no matter who or what it was. Even if that meant his challenge needed to know how to beat another challenge. Daring hummed impatiently. “Well after he knocked you out for the second time he made me focus on a memory jewel. Interesting thing about it was that it wasn’t the same one you saw me use in his room.” Daring stopped nuzzling my neck and pushed me away. Her eyes looked at mine.

That memory jewel he showed me though … that can’t be right.

That night was still fresh in my head. Every little detail. Even the memory jewel that reveled things to me that I couldn’t out right say to any pony no matter how crucial the information was. I sighed. “That memory jewel showed me that Autumnal Den’s assistant put a reverse switch in the sphere. Once triggered it would do exactly what it normally did but in reverse.” Daring nodded slowly, making sense of what I had done.

She punched me in the fore hoof. “You jerk I thought we were going to die because of that!”

“I thought you were dead when you got shot,” I countered. Daring giggled a little seductively. “So when did you put body armor on?”

Daring smiled at me almost like she was debating on keeping that little secret all to herself. I nudged her. She took her pith helmet off staring at it intently. “Just before the race started when I went to get supplies. I guess we both had some insurance to keep ourselves alive.” I nodded, lying back on the roof of the bar.

My head turned slightly so I could see the dirt track a couple yards out. There was an autowagon parked near the same place that stallion had drawn a line. I chuckled slightly clearing my throat. “So now what?” It was time for that conversation. The one that declared what Daring and I were to one another. She was … well she was a lot of things for me. Motivation was something that she and my family were for me.

Daring sighed looking off into the distance. It was then that I realized her and Silver Shoe had a lot in common. The look on her face said it all. I waited for her response though, just to be on the safe side. “Well now that Equestria is cured of its infection I want to visit every well-known city and just explore.” Yeah. I figured as much, but that was to be expected of a Daring Do descendant. “Are you going to come with me?”

I declined, shaking my head. “Daring, you are the most amazing mare I have ever met. No lie.” I paused. It wasn’t a lie. Deep down I wanted to fly around all of Equestria with her, but a stronger part of me told me where to go now. Home. Where I always belonged. “I can’t go with you, because I’m going to stay with my family. Even if I wanted to, I can’t, I’m wanted.” There was a slight cringe in her expression. That wasn’t the answer she was expecting to hear. It was the only option though. “But I will be in the Badlands for the foreseeable future. I’ll be there for you no matter what, but how do I know I’ll see you after this?” I won’t tie her down though. She’s a pegasus, she’s meant to be free as bird.

Even if we weren’t anything more than friends I wouldn’t turn my back on her. Not now. Not ever. Daring took in a deep breath. Her tail pushed her pith helmet over to me. Carefully, Daring Adventure picked up the helmet and placed it on top of my head. “I’ll come back for that. Maybe then we can continue whatever this is.”

“I’d like that,” I muttered softly.

Daring gave me one more long kiss before getting on all fours. She stretched aiming herself in the position of the wind. With one mighty heave she pushed herself into the air, flapping her wings faster and faster, just before she did a loop past me. I watched her fly off into the distance until she was no longer in sight. “I can’t wait to see you again.” I looked up at my pith helmet wondering if any descendant of Daring Do had ever given their special hand-me-down to anyone not related to them.

*** ***

With O’Conner’s Supra Mark IV strapped to my back there was only one thing I could think of doing right now besides getting to Ponyville as fast as possible. There was one racer I wanted to race more than anything else. The driver behind the glider that was nothing but pure white.

As I stepped up to the drawn line I could see a stallion working hard on an autowagon. It was a Pontiac, but not just any Pontiac, this one was highly customized. With one quick glance at it using my transparency spell I could see custom built twin turbos with an engine that could put out a high amount of horse power. The owner looked up at me. “You race for pinks?” I intoned curiously.

“Depends. Are you putting that up? Couldn’t get mine just right, but yours looks pretty good, put that one up for grabs then we’ll talk.” The owner carefully walked around the Supra taking in everything it had to offer. He was interested and so was I. That autowagon wasn’t just any autowagon. It was the ghost of a glider turned into an autowagon. It was going to be mine.

“Let’s do it,” I said brimming with full confidence. “Quarter mile run. Winner gets the loser’s ride.”

We shook hooves and lined up at the starting line together. The stallion revved the engine several times trying to intimidate me. I looked down at my NOS gauge. Just before arriving here I got O’Conner’s tanks refueled. I looked at the driver. “You want it come and get it,” he said to me. We revved our engines together.

Quarter Mile at a Time

Chapter Thirty: Quarter Mile at a Time

Empty.

Princess Twilight’s castle was empty. I swear there is always at least one person in this place. But this time around it was a ghost town. Even the person that greets you at the door is gone!

I took my sweet time going around the castle looking for any pony. After looking around all the places I was allowed to be in, my eyes spied the one pony that seemed to always be here. Page Turner was at her usual counter packing things into her bag.

“Owner of the place gave everyone the rest of the day off. See you around, I’m out.” She slugged her bag onto her back before giving me a halfhearted wave.

And with that I knew exactly where to go next. My hooves trotted up the stairs leading me to the door that had been locked during most of my visits. Pushing past the door I was greeted by dozens upon dozens of memory jewels with stills that seemed to glow even more brightly than the last time I saw them.

One jewel in particular stood out to me. The still was of Princess Twilight enjoying a party with friends. I don’t know what it was, but that one put a smile on my face. Next to it was a picture of the Princess with all of her friends from around Ponyville. A bit of warmth spread through my heart.

“I did it, Princess Twilight. Hope this makes up for what happened back then.”

Pressing on I found the door that took me all the way up to Discords room. Without any real thought put into what might lay ahead I followed the stairs all the way up to Discord’s hiding place.

The door swung open with a creak.

As I moved inside my eyes were ready to burst with rage. Discord slid across the floor, practically glowing in perfect health, actually he was glowing, he slid towards me wearing a ‘beach bum’ t-shirt with a coconut drink in his claws. My eye twitched a little. “He did it all for me!” Discord bellowed. His face slithered inches from mine. Uneasiness washed over my entire body making my stomach feel a bit warm.

“Admit it,” he said with a coy smile that sent my head into a slight rage. “You did it all for me.”

I swear to Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Twilight that if this guy was faking I would choke him out with my bare HOOVES! Possibly. Maybe. Probably not. Buck it. It’s the master of chaos what the hell am I going to do? “I did it for Equestria. Allegedly.” It was more or less for revenge, but I’ll sleep better at night thinking I kept Equestria as my motivation.

Discord pointed a claw my way snickering at the last word I muttered. It took us little to no time at all to get each other’s humor. I’ll admit that beach bum shirt was pretty hysterical. With the snap of his claws, noticeably echoing around the room, a six pack of Pegasus Breed appeared on the tip of my horn. I carefully lit the tip, levitating the entire case down in front of us.

We each took one and clanked bottles for a job well done.

The cold sensation of a Pegasus Breed was almost too good to be true after the shit I had been through during that race. Seriously. Who else can claim they pulled off destroying a terror bus, raced through two major cities with heat and got through the Crystal Empire without seeing one infected! It’s a good action story. Discord slapped my back rather hard making me spit a bit of alcohol out. “There’s someone here that’d like to meet you.”

My look of understanding, the one I tried to put on anyway, was betrayed by the look of confusion that had taken its place.

Who wanted to see me? Daring Adventure was off being an explorer now. Diesel Fuel was waiting for me in the Badlands. O’Conner … well O’Conner is … I haven’t actually seen him since the race. Which raises a question. How did the cops know where the race was?

Discord held out his paw, gesturing to his chair which had a pony sitting on it, there was a smile on his face.

Light slowly began to shine into the room allowing me to see a pair of purple wings belonging to a mare. She stood as tall as Princess Celestia now, noticeably looking very young, but had a hint of regality to her poise. Her cutie mark was something I couldn’t really identify. It looked like a magic star, but for the life of me I know that wasn’t the proper way to describe it.

No way.

My eyes widened. I am not worthy of this. BOW! I need to BOW!

I faced the ground before remembering I hadn’t done this for the other three Princesses. If I get the chance I’d have to do that since, at the time, there wasn’t an opportunity for me to do so.

The mare sitting on the throne giggled. “It’s been over two hundred years since I became Princess Twilight and believe it or not I’m still not used to this. Please, stand up.” My head slowly looked up at the princess. Gently pushing myself up I met her gaze.

There wasn’t any need to tell her what went on, she somehow knew. That brought up a question to mind that made me want to laugh. I looked at Discord. “You made it sound like She was dead!” I pointed a hoof at Twilight. I mean. Princess Twilight Sparkle.

“Did I? How rude of me,” Discord said tossing some popcorn in his mouth.

In all honesty, “That is hilarious. You made me think she wasn’t even around.” I paused. “I could have told a Princess about this and you made me think she was DEAD! The hell is wrong with you!” Discord snapped a picture of my face. My eyes rolled around making it impossible to see anything.

“Oh you should see the look on your face!” Discord held up the picture to me while my eyes continued to roll around. I shook my head making them snap back into place. Staring at the photo I brought a hoof to my face. “What? Oh,” he said noticing the problem. His entire lion’s paw blocked my head out of the shot.

I just laughed. This guy was a total riot! You just can’t turn his humor off.

Twilight gave out a reluctant long sigh. “Are you guys finished?” I cleared my throat giving her the most polite smile I could. I guess Discord did say she outlived her friends, but just not how long. “Because of you I can now age again. Honestly, thank you. Being able to live as long as I have has had its ups and downs.” There was a look of melancholy on her face. “I don’t know how Princess Celestia does it.”

“Oh please, try living in stone for as long as I have,” Discord muttered to us.

I snorted. That’s hilarious. Cause Princess Celestia would know all about that now! Ugh. My humor might get dark, but that shit is still hilarious. Sorry Princess Celestia, but Discord has you on this one.

Twilight’s glare might have been directed at Discord, but I could feel it stinging me in the process. She was not amused or entertained in the slightest. “Runner, I have been working on a counter spell for years, how did you find one?” Well, I really didn’t do anything more than use the information I was given to do exactly what should have been done if another person got ahold of the same knowledge.

I cleared my throat. “To be fair, I’m not that smart. It was just dumb luck that Dead Eye showed me what I needed to know, plus he seemed to be hording all that information for himself. As for why a counter spell didn’t work, well as Discord once said it’s the plot device of Equestria.” She understood what I was saying clearly. In all fairness it was really all Dead Eye’s work. I never could have figured this out without him so he has my thanks even if he is a conniving son of a bitch. “Kind of hard to solve the equation if you don’t have all the variables.”

That earned a giggle from the princess. Somehow that got the point across very well. “Is there anything I can do to thank you for helping Equestria out,” she spoke softly while her horn lit up. In front of us a giant schematic of a memory jewel began to glow bright purple. All around its shining edges I could see every problem originally caused two hundred years ago being fixed. Even The Valley and all its toxin had been transformed into a beautiful meadow of outstanding flowers. “I can’t clear your name though.”

I smiled at her. Somehow that didn’t surprise me. Even if she could I know where I’d end up again. No matter where I seem to go it’s like the bullets come cracking at my ass either way. I’m used to it by now. “I wouldn’t want you to. Honestly, Princess Twilight, even if you did I’m just going to get in more trouble. At least I’m willing to admit it to you now rather than after you do anything for me.” I stopped what I was saying. She might not be able to help.

But. Maybe. Perhaps she could clear someone else’s record.

“Wait,” I said rather fast. “I know what you can do for me.” Princess Twilight smiled earnestly. Discord put a pair of shades on pretending not to listen in on the conversation. “Can you clear someone’s record if they were framed for something they didn’t do?” Discord’s ear shot up. His claws snapped right away before conjuring a blanket. A top hat appeared over his head.

“Who do you have in mind,” the Princess asked curiously.

Discord set his top hat down on the ground, covering it with his blanket, while he tapped it with a wand. Where the hell is he keeping all those things? Grasping the cloth in his claws, Discord ripped the blanket off the hat making the object flip over several times before dropping a mare out from it. She stood up, weapon drawn in her levitation field, eyes frantically looking for an escape route.

Unless of course she uses her princess powers to banish me then lock me in a cage in a dungeon where she banishes me to! Sweet Celestia I don’t want to be banished! Just send me to the Badlands. Last time I checked that place became its own country roughly one hundred years ago.

“Not Important,” I found myself muttering almost to quietly.

Twilight looked at me with confusion. Once again, I love Not Important’s name. “That’s her name.” I pointed at the locked-and-loaded mare next to me. Her weapon was lowered once she realized who I was with. “Can you clear her record and make her a slick government agent for Equestria?”

With a careful look at Not Important, Twilight smiled elegantly. Something about that look put me at ease. Obviously there might be some complications not asking her to let me walk free, but I have a plan for that now! Always have an escape route. “I can do that, but on one condition.” I tilted my head curiously to her statement. “You have to give me an oral report on what you’ve learned about friendship.”

I have to what?

She wasn’t kidding. I have to give her … an oral report on … friendship. So … I gave her an oral report. “Dear Princess Twilight, friends come in different shapes and sizes, sometimes you won’t get along with them, but at the end of the day your friendship with that person is far more important than some argument. Then there are friends that stop being your friends, because they become family.” Not Important grinned at that. Discord conjured up a chair while Not Important took his shades, putting them on her face instead.

It wasn’t the best friendship report. It wasn’t the worst one either. I liked it though. That’s exactly how I found my family. Speaking of which I think it’s about time I track them down. At least before Bolt Action finds them. He got away, but he’s coming my way so I better be prepared.

“You know I can’t let you walk out of here,” Twilight said somberly.

I was expecting that. My pistol floated up, pointing right at Not Important’s head. “Yeah I know, but you’re going to let me walk out of here. Because I have a hostage.” It didn’t take a genius to see where I was going with this. Especially when the highly skilled soon-to-be slick government agent was doing nothing to stop me.

Discord leaned back in a floating recliner enjoying a large bucket of popcorn. Seriously, where was he getting all this stuff? I bet he’d make a great comedian.

Twilight stared at me, eyes wide, not really expecting me to pull a gun. “This is your plan,” she asked unimpressed. Yeah, she knew where I was going with this.

“Yup.” I gave her a smile. Obviously this had to look convincing, because a Princess can’t let a criminal walk out with nothing more than a stern talking to. I mean, she could, but it wouldn’t look good on her part.

Twilight’s horn lit up before a portal opened up next to me leading to the castle’s front doors. I trotted out, but not before hearing Discord tell me to check my bags.

I stepped out onto the castles beautiful grass while watching the portal separating me and Not Important close. At least one of us has a clean record. With a nicker I looked inside my saddle bags.

HOLY SHIT!

Inside my bag were all the Swordmares comics I hadn’t collected! I have a compete set! This is the best gift ever!

*** ***

My Mustang is ready.

Thanks to Candle Light my muscle glider was eager to have its first test run. Hopefully it would be ready for the pony hunt I was about to go on. Sadly, my shotgun was left on top of the Crystal Empire castle which left me with nothing but my pistol. It was more than enough to get the job done though.

A loud screech from a pair of horseshoes caught my attention while I finished connecting the single NOS tank in the blocks. O’Conner, with his horseshoes still on, galloped up the driveway with his gun held in his mouth. To this day I’m still amazed at how ponies can learn to talk properly with a gun in their mouth. “Runner, put the gun down now.” My pistol floated close to my head, something I hadn’t even noticed until he pointed it out. “No more running.”

I gritted my teeth.

Running. He thinks I’m running! “I’m not running!” I marched up to him, gun in my levitation field, pointing the weapon right at his head. He did the same. His glider was parked right in my way. “Move. Your. Glider.”

“Nah, bullshit, put the gun down now.”

Behind us a door creaked with a loud slam. Candle Light walked out looking more irritated than Nightmare Moon being banished to the moon. This wasn’t going to be pretty. “BOTH OF YOU! Knock it off now, Runner, it’s over. No pony is coming for us.” She shook her head out of frustration.

I couldn’t even groan. “Candle Light, stay out of it!”

My nerves were working overtime. O’Conner being here, for once, wasn’t calming me down. In fact his gun being raised to me was putting me in a mental tailspin I wanted to recover from faster than the sickness from inhaling some spores. “Where’s Glider and Diesel Fuel?” His eyes locked with mine.

I shook my head. Quite honestly I didn’t know. Somewhere in the Badlands. From what Candle Light mentioned to me, Vin and Lucky Clover were spread out someplace else in Equestria. I have feeling I know why the cops showed up though. “Long gone after that stunt you pulled today.”

“That wasn’t me. I swear to Celestia it wasn’t,” he said shaking his head. I didn’t see any sign of lying in his eyes. Then again I don’t know how good he is at lying. “It’s over then, I didn’t call the cops, but don’t push it, put the gun down.”

“You are a cop!”

O’Conner froze. I hit a nerve. And a big one at that.

Candle Light walked down the sidewalk, pushing past O’Conner, and squeezed her way between us. She made me look at her, but she could see it in my eyes that I wasn’t going to let this go. Shaking her head she threw a hoof up not knowing what to say.

My attention went to O’Conner. He had to understand what I was going through. I mean, come on, he was once a part of this family to. “O’Conner, I’ve got to find them before Bolt Action does, they are all I have left.” It had been a while since I felt this desperate.

I hated the feeling with every fiber of my being.

Vrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

We looked at the road just in time to see a motorscooter riding past the Supra. Its rider floated up a pair of submachine guns. My heart sank.

Pffffft. Pffft. Pffft. Pfffft. Pffft.

Pffffft. Pfffft. Pfffft. Pfffft. Pfffft.

I threw up a weak protection spell with what little time I had left. Bullets punched through it like it was nothing more than a piece of paper. Candle Light went down to the ground, yelling in pain, with her hoof on her shoulder. The only thing I could do was crouch down and gallop across the yard towards her, dodging whatever bullets came my way using my weak protection spell.

Bullets finally stopped raining towards us. O’Conner fired off a few rounds only to miss the remaining Reaper as he sped away. I slid next to Candle Light taking a look at her wounds. “Candle Light.” Blood started oozing down slowly, lucky, it was nothing major.

This isn’t going to end. I have to do something now.

The Supra started up, O’Conner backed out and galloped off after the shooter with his gun fully loaded in his mouth.

I frantically floated over a bandage rag over to us. It took me less than a minute to wrap the healing cloth around her. Taking in a deep breath I stood up, galloping over to my Mustang with a shouting Candle Light. “Runner, no, this isn’t the answer!”

Strapping the glider to my body, I looked at Candle Light knowing full well there was no other answer, this was something I had to do. With a loud rumble the glider started up roaring loudly while I galloped off without my horseshoes.

With great speed I followed O’Conner as fast as I could, trees and houses blurring together, my heart beating frantically. My pistol tucked itself way back into its holster. I kept my eyes peeled for the Supra, only hearing its loud hum, or at the very least hoping to glimpse its large spoiler. Hitting the NOS button as hard as I could, I felt my vision blur, the only spray being used to catch up to the one pony that could help me end this right now.

I rounded a corner right as O’Conner left the turn hot on Bolt Action’s trail. As I galloped up next to O’Conner our eyes met. Our goal was clear. Pushing off against the cement we both flew over a small hill, sparks flew out from underneath O’Conner’s horseshoes, our target slowly losing his distance between us. Autowagons lined the streets as Bolt Action turned his two submachine guns on us.

Pffffft. Pfffft. Pfffft. Pffft.

Pffffft. Pffffffft. Pfffft. Pfffft.

O’Conner ducked his head down swerving side to side nearly knocking me into an autowagon. My hoof hit the brake pedal letting me slide onto a connecting street away from them. I sped up my pace just before sliding around the next turn putting me right across from the two ponies. With aching hooves I galloped past another intersection just in time to see Bolt Action go by.

I turned right, nearly taking out a lamppost, my hooves carried me all the way to the intersecting O’Conner had yet to pass. As I arrived both Bolt Action and O’Conner sped by. My brother, still felt great saying that, came to a sliding halt halfway down a hill while I spun out onto the intersection. Down the hill, Bolt Action came to a sliding halt into a wall, O’Conner’s pistol unloaded the rest of its clip.

Is he dead?

My eyes narrowed cautiously.

Once O’Conner freed himself of his glider he galloped right over to the stallion, his pistol still drawn, his hoof pressed down on Bolt Action’s neck. Even from here I could see the blue stallion’s breathing rate picking up. I spun around, on purpose this time, galloping into the intersection while O’Conner shouted to some pony. “You. Call nine-one-one. Call nine-one-one!”

*** ***

I galloped down the road, ignoring all the lights, thankfully no pony was around this time of day. Without any idea of what town my family was in I need only to head to the Badlands now. My days of hunting ponies down were over. My heart ached for a break.

I turned right. A green light turned red so I stopped at the white line drawn in front of it.

Candle Light was in decent shape when I left her. The bullet wound wasn’t as bad as it looked. Part of me knows that she had seen the news reports. I can’t stay here. No matter how much I love this town. City? No matter how much I loved Ponyville I can’t stay knowing the Princesses are nearby.

Vrrruuuuuuuum. Vrrruuuuuuum.

“You thought I’d let you leave without racing me.” O’Conner’s Supra Mark IV pulled up next to me, revving a few times to get my attention, the stallion smiled at me. That was the O’Conner that put me at ease. Unfortunately for me he’s a cop. His hoof nudged me. “Hey, you know Diesel Fuel raced me here once.” O’Conner pointed at a railroad crossing down the road. “That railroad crossing is exactly one quarter mile away from here. On green I’m going for it.”

I smiled.

On green. I’m going for it.

I revved the Mustang’s engine loudly to the point I could swear things were shaking near me. Although I’m pretty sure I’m just imagining things that way. O’Conner revved his engine next to me while we turned our focus to the road ahead.

The light turned green.

I shifted into second, letting the power in my glider build up, while my fore hooves lifted up off the ground. Fire exploded from the back of the blocks like a flamethrower going crazy. The engine roared loudly while out of the corner of my eye O’Conner rapidly pulled forward. As my fore hooves touched the ground the fire from the blocks subsided, the engine finally putting all of its power to work, pushing me down the road approaching sixty wing power at breakneck speeds.

There was no aching in my hooves. Only high adrenaline coursed through my veins in sync to the turbo in my glider taking over for the NOS system. Dust trails kicked up from behind our bumpers the faster we went.

It didn’t take long for me to narrow the gap between us. The amount of power going through my engine put me right into first, forcing O’Conner to hit the red button. His glider drew closer to mine sending my heart racing. He was getting closer and closer. We were bumper to bumper, but not for long. Another small second went by giving my turbo system another chance to supply even more power to the engine.

Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.

Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.

Time began to come to a halt. So close to a halt that my body began to anchor itself down, so much so, that it felt more of a struggle to turn my head then keep pace with O’Conner. Our eyes locked for a brief moment. There was no going back now. Both of our gliders were running at sixty wing power with no chance of stopping at the railroad crossing.

DING! DING! DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!

My hoof bucked the shifter into fourth. A loud heart wrenching, almost heart breaking, snap went through my glider making my pupils shrink. That sound. It was the one thing I hadn’t checked.

The wingspan on both ends of the blocks slid outward, luckily, latching onto a bolt keeping the metal in place. Smoke rose out from the gaps in the glider’s hood. It wasn’t ready for this race.

With a struggle that weighed down on me more than a broken glider, I turned my head to O’Conner. He looked at me, his eyes wide, as a train sped towards the crossing with its horn blaring so loudly we couldn’t hear our engines.

We couldn’t stop. We had to keep moving.

I shifted into fifth. My glider inched past the Supra slowly leaving it behind.

O’Conner punched the NOS button one more time. I swear on my life my ears could hear the sound of the spray being sent to the engine.

The crossing arms fell into place only a few feet out from us. We charged forward, the train coming full force around the turn, my eyes went down to the ground. Our gliders smashed the crossing arms apart, sending wood flying everywhere, we turned our heads seeing the train mere hoof steps away from us. Its whistle sounded loudly, filling our ears, yelling that it couldn’t stop.

As our gliders smashed through the remaining crossing arms I took a brief pause. If maybe only for a split second. To look at O’Conner.

His hooves touched the ground half a second before mine did.

The train blazed past us with alarming speed that surely would have killed us both, but instead it carried on.

Part of my blocks hit the ground sending sparks flying everywhere around us. I turned my head up to meet O’Conner’s gaze. There was a shocked smile on his face, like he didn’t think we were going to make it. But we did. I smiled back at him.

My Mustang let out another heart pounding crack. Part of the wingspan slid out, catching hold of a lamppost, sending me into a tail spin. Colors blurred together. Any pony around me looked nothing more than a blurred blob of jacked up color.

I tapped the brake trying to stop, but all that did was straighten me out. Just in time. To see a large wagon parked in front of an autowagon. With sixty wing power at my hooves I rammed into the wagon sending it flying into the autowagon, no doubt, totaling whatever brand it was. Everything around me went forward. Wood crashed down on me while the key to the Mustang fell out letting the engine die before anything else could happen to me.

Darkness was all around me. It wasn’t my eyes being close though. No. In fact my eyes were open. Wood piled up on me blocking my view of the sunset that had started to take place.

One of the planks violently threw itself off of me. Daylight flooded down on me. “Runner!” O’Conner prayed more of the wood off while I tried to slowly crawl out from my ruined glider. Sad to say it was ruined beyond repair. No amount of master mechanics could fix the damage nor would I even attempt to do it.

Wrapping his strong hooves around me, O’Conner lifted me up onto all fours checking for any signs of damage. There was damage. My fore hooves had blood running down them, but nothing I wasn’t already used to. “That could have ended better,” I wheezed at him. The smile I had been accustomed to was no longer on O’Conner’s face.

Sirens wailed in the distance. I just stared at the lights flashing far off in the distance. O’Conner looked from me to the glider then back at me. From the looks of it I’d be going away for a while. It could be worse though.

O’Conner held up a hoof with his keys sitting in the center. My eyes met his. This wasn’t some joke. His hoof held out my escape route. I didn’t believe it. “You sure about this,” I questioned without thinking.

“I lost.” I didn’t win though, his hooves touched the ground first. My own two eyes saw it. “And you owe Candle Light a ten-second glider.”

I took the keys from his hoof. With one final good look into his ocean blue eyes I knew right then and there he wouldn’t try to pull anything. There wasn’t any need to check for a tracking device in the Supra. That wasn’t O’Conner’s style.

I gave him an understanding nod.

Without thinking, without a second thought of anything, I walked towards the Supra. Its beautiful coat shined for me like the stars in the night. Sirens drew closer to us the moment my fore hooves strapped the glider to my body. I galloped off, the horseshoes screeching, looking into the rear view mirror.

O’Conner turned away from me. He walked forward ready to meet the cops racing towards him.

I couldn’t tell a pony right then, maybe not ever, why he did what he did, but I am forever thankful for this opportunity. Not every pony would do this. Not every pony would risk their second chance on a pony like me.

O’Conner looked at me one last time. Even from far off down the road I could make out his ocean blue eyes, only this time, without the smile. He turned away from me while I galloped off.

No Going Back

Chapter One: No Going Back

The skies above my head stared down at me with a boring dark color. I could practically feel the wood giving me splinters in my flank from just sitting here for an hour. Nothing but the dark moving clouds had captured my attention, that, and the long stretching shadow from the wall behind me. I could practically hear the pink bubble above it radiating with magic and making that buzzing sound every few seconds.

Come on.

Come on. Show up!

I risked getting shot in the back of the head, beaten into the ground by knight sticks and this guy is a no show. A quick glance at the clock behind me revealed I had been sitting here for well over an hour. An hour away from that Celestia damned wall was enough to put a grin on my face. Those bucking guards and some peaceful quiet time away from my best friend. Don’t get me wrong, I love hanging with her, but she’s the reason my stress levels are getting higher. And don’t get me started on how short my lifespan has probably gotten.

“Wait. Is that …”

I squinted my eyes.

The wood creaked while part of the railing snapped off. I moved my flank back before returning my gaze at the dirt path several dozen yards out from the two story bar I was hiding in. There he was. Strapped to a frost white glider that looked just beautiful as it did the day before, lined up with the broken fence roughly a quarter mile away. The wingspan slowly ejected out from the machine with a blindingly wonderful sight of red racing stripes.

Any time I felt stressed out or any time my mind needed to take a break, I could always come out here to find the same stallion racing gliders like it was his job. My personal favorite, a Pontiac, was one I had nicknamed 'the ghost' because of its pure white paint job. It was the type of glider that definitely had a mean streak, but if used correctly could deliver a quarter mile time like no other. At some point I almost want to time it just to see if it's as fast as it looks.

The stallion gently placed his hoof back on the gear shifter and pushed the pedal back into first. His back hoof moved over to the gas. The stallion galloped forward, shifted to second, then third. All four hooves moved like lightning with each shift! His mane swam in the air while he slowly began tipping to the side.

Come on. Go. Go. Freaking go!

Dust filled the air around him while his entire body spun around and slid across the path. The stallion hit the edge of the fence and stared down at what I’d assume is the wing speedometer. I could take a wild guess and say he topped out at a round one sixty wing power. He threw his head around shouting something I couldn’t really make out.

"Shit, maybe he topped out at one forty."

I closed my eyes letting my imagination take hold. I could see myself jumping over dusty hills with a glider strapped to my back. One of the dark blue ones with white racing stripes going all the way down the back of my machine to the large spoiler. The wind blowing my dark brown mane around and blasting through my matte grey coat. Galloping alongside a Veil Side Fortune and some silver bullet hot shot just starting to pull ahead.

“Runner!” I jumped and jerked my head to the pony standing behind me. Her pink mane and white coat told me exactly who it was. Silver Shoe. My hoof was raised at her muzzle in self-defense. Which didn’t make much sense since my pistol is strapped right in front of my cutie mark, which was a gear. “I figured you’d be out here. What’cha up to?”

Silver Shoe, my best and only friend, lay down next to me. She narrowed her eyes and put her hoof against her horn. I sighed once I noticed the stallion had walked off. “I was watching that stallion run another quarter mile. He topped out at one forty, I think.” Silver Shoe hummed taking a seat on her haunches. From where I was sitting I could see her cutie mark. Two silver dance slippers, well shoes, she doesn’t like people calling them slippers. Something about that word makes her feel less of a tough mare, or so she tells me. "What are you doing here?"

Come to think of it I can't even figure out why having a special talent in dancing doesn't make her feel less tough.

I scratched the back of my head and got up. Silver Shoe’s horn lit up a shade of magenta. My pistol floated out of my holster. She carefully looked it over. “You know it’s against District rules to be outside the walls. Ever. But since when do we ever listen to rules.” Silver Shoe’s straight face turned into a grin. That didn't answer my question though. In case she hadn't noticed I strongly dislike ponies dodging my questions. She faced me and shook her head. “I know you all too well, Runner, you always come out here to de-stress." She spoke rather bluntly. "Come on. Let’s head back.” My ears drooped down as my  eyes fell on the wall that stretched almost endlessly up.

Up.

Up.

And up.

I stared at the wall until I caught sight of the pink bubble glowing at the tip top of the rim. I sighed shaking my head. “I really don’t want to go back.” I jumped when I felt a hoof around my shoulder. Silver Shoe pointed straight at the red brick walls. Her hoof moved so that it was facing the open world. The world away from the District. The world I had dreamed and fantasized about since I had gotten just a tiny glimpse over that wall. Who would have thought it had taken crawling under it to see just how big the world outside the walls was. I wanted to explore it, but I know the world inside those walls more. I stared back at the wall and it gave me an unemotional stare back.

“It’s right there. Go on," Silver Shoe trailed off. It sounded as if she wasn't even taking to me. I stared out at the open plains heading in, Luna-only-knows, which direction it was.

My problem has never been leaving the District. I do that on a regular basis as is. The only thing stopping me is what's out there. From what I hear the Fireflies still operate around the open world. At least that's what I overhear the cops telling each other. We're stuck behind the wall because it's safer inside. I never believed that bull shit though. There have been signs of ponies trying to break in or at least that's what the claw marks on the walls suggest. Personally, I have always wondered what life was like outside, but never had the incentive to go further than the bar I enjoy hiding in.

Move. Come on move. Move your damn hooves. Ugh. I can stare at those roads all day, but my hooves will always feel like they are filled with cement. I took in a slow deep breath, turning my head. I slid Silver Shoe’s hoof off my shoulder and walked down the rotting creaking stairs towards District Twelve.

For once in my life I wish I had the balls to walk more than thirteen feet away from it. Okay, this ramshackle town is further than that, but I swear the walk to this place is becoming shorter with each visit. Just put one hoof in front of the other and keep walking, Runner. Silver Shoe’s warm voice caught my attention. “There’s a fresh batch of spores waiting for us inside the tunnels. I brought your gas mask with me.” My mask floated up next to her head. I exhaled and shook my head. I almost broke rule number one and that was to never leave the District without my mask on. Never know when a batch of spores will pop up. One good inhale and they will turn you into. Well. I’ve only seen them in stories, but feral creatures that only look pony.

There are several rules that must always be followed in this District. Rule number one: Always have a gas mask on you no matter what. Rule two: Be home by nine. No exceptions. Rule three: Keep your head down and don't talk to anypony you don't trust or already know.

Sadly, my rules have been known to change on a fairly regular basis. It's for survival. Especially when dealing with the cops. The cops are supposed to keep the peace, not make us fear for our lives.

"New batch of spores? Geez. More ponies must be trying to sneak in." I nickered.

I lit up my horn, watching it become engulfed in blue. My mask floated up to my muzzle and I strapped it on. I looked back up at the wall feeling smaller with every step I took towards it. It’s like those walls just keep getting bigger and bigger. I’d love to see them blasted apart or at least painted a different color. “Did you bring the map," I asked rhetorically. Silver Shoe rolled her eyes at me. I guess that’s a bit of a stupid question even if it's rhetorical. Her number one rule is to always have a map of the area at all times. Never know when you’re going to have to break from your usual path. “Alright, better question. Any sign of slave traders?” She shook her head.

Geez. Say something. Anything. For Cadence’s sake you are Silver Shoe, the one mare I can count on to give me some wisecrack about the pig’s eating donuts. Okay, that’s not the best one liner I’ve ever said, but the point is you talk a lot more than this! We looked around one last time before sliding down a small ditch right next to the wall. Silver Shoe looked up at the wall and shook her head. She put her hoofs under a large plank of would. I did the same.

“On three,” She said. “One. Two.”

“Three!” We shouted together lifting the plank up. Darkness. A pit of darkness lurked below us. I nudged my head and Silver Shoe slid under the plank first. My horn lit up and held the board long enough for me to slide under and into the darkness below.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

I blinked a few times seeing nothing but darkness in front of me. My hoof bumped around my saddle bags until I hit my flashlight. The area around me lit up. I looked at Silver Shoe and saw her mask on. She adjusted her goggles and crept forward while water dripped on our heads.

As we walked past a few air filters we could hear the laughter of foals playing hoof ball in a brick jungle. An old stallion barked at them to leave, but they ignored him. I looked away from the vents and saw a dense cloud of orange smog floating around. It looked unusual, I mean even for an orange cloud of crap. “Shit. If there’s this much spores around here that means one of those things must have gotten in and died. Ugh.” Silver Shoe nodded silently. I still didn’t like how quiet she was being. Her ears drooped for a second and perked back up.

“Get on the ground now,” a stern voice called out from the other side of the wall.

Wait. Do the cops know? No. No they can’t. Oak Tree wouldn’t … he wouldn’t do that.

We both ran over to a vent and stared out at group of three stallions being shoved to the ground right outside their apartment complex. Three cops galloped out of the complex behind them and pulled out a pistol. Old school pistols, the kind a pony had to hold in their mouth, not one of the ones you could mount to your shoulder and fire by kicking said shoulder back a little. A pony almost the shape of an apple stood up amongst the other cops, the chief, had come to teach a lesson. The chief cleared his throat and looked around at a small gathering crowd. “Let this be a lesson to anyone caught outside the District walls or caught breaking our rules. Death awaits you.” I turned away.

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Silver Shoe growled gritting her teeth. I pushed her away from the vent. “Just keep moving. We bust out of here now and I know for a fact they’ll turn more than just a couple of pistols on us.” Silver Shoe punched the wall with her hoof and kept moving. I could feel her anger from here. Silver Shoe was like a boiler, the longer she kept her anger bottled up the more it seemed to radiate from her like heat from said boiler. Neither of us liked dealing with the cops, or even being a ten foot barge pole’s length away from them, that’s also being levitated by a pony halfway across the city.

Besides, last time I went along with one your so called ‘Great Plans,’ my flank was shot at from every direction. Good times, I guess.

We made a left and heard the sound of more foals playing hoof ball. I took a quick peak for myself. A smile slowly grew on my face when I thought about me and Silver Shoe meeting in a game just like the one those foals were having. Tied game. Any ponies match.

Good times. I mean it to. That is one of the small fond memories I have of this place.

A large dull grey wall met us. Just a dead end. I looked at Silver Shoe and she was smiling. “Dumbasses weren’t smart enough to block this off,” I spoke under my breath with a smile. We looked up! Several crates and wood planks were positioned to look like a wall, but in reality it was put there to fool the cops. They would never think to look up, but even if they did they’d see a wall. Our horns lit up and brought each crate down slowly. One after the other.

Each crate moved in pairs of two until a wooden stair case was set down in front of us. The power of unicorns, baby! We jumped onto the first one, then the second, third and so on until we landed on the cement slab leading to a connecting hallway. Most of the cops here are earth ponies, which makes the irony in the fact they never check for this kind of stuff even better. Silver Shoe stepped closer to me and we both started walking back with our horns glowing. The crates levitated back up into place. “Hey, Runner. I was thinking …” I looked at her. She turned her head to the wall. “Never mind, we’ll talk when we’re out of this place.” Agreed. The longer I stood in this tunnel the more claustrophobic I felt, which was weird since I didn’t have that type of fear.

We galloped down the cold damp hall until a small ray of light broke through a crack above us. I approached it slowly. Yup. That’s our exit. I began my climb up a small ladder and put my hoof against a bookshelf blocking the entrance to our tunnel. With a bit of focus my telekinesis slid the bookshelf to the side letting Celestia’s makeshift lamp grace our presence with light. I jumped onto the hardwood floor taking a look around at a shamble.

The apartment room wasn’t much. A foldout table with a few comics sitting on it, an old TV that only played static, which the owner assured me was the best thing on these days since the cops pulled the plug on regular broadcasting, and an old couch which had a grumpy goat with a beard sleeping on it. I rolled my eyes.

Silver Shoe’s warm voice caught my attention. “The old goat still asleep?” She jumped onto the hardwood floor and slid the bookcase in front of our escape tunnel. I gave her a nod before putting my hoof against the tip of my mouth.

Silver Shoe crept closer to him and shook the old goat. He groaned. “Psst. Oak Tree, thanks for letting us use the tunnels.” The goat tossed in his half slumber and waved his hoof.

“Sure thing, Silver Runner.” He always does that. How many times do I have to tell this guy that we are two different ponies? Not one pony with two different names mixed together! Ugh. I thought after being friends with us for a good year he would have noticed that. Forget it. I’m boring myself now. The old goat snored and brought a pillow to his face.

I opened a door and walked out of the apartment. Silver Shoe followed behind me and turned off our flashlights with her magic. “Keep the door shut, I’m having a sleep.” Having a sleep? The old goat started snoring again while Silver Shoe pulled the door close with a slight creak. She smiled halfheartedly. He might be an old stubborn goat that makes little to no sense and only likes playing Blitz, but we love him. Most of the time.

My mask was stuffed back into my bag while I looked out at the brick buildings that stood towering all around the city. No. My bad. District. It’s not a city, it’s a district the text books are very clear on that. Silver Shoe leaned against the windowsill with her fore hooves. A long sigh escaped her mouth. “So, listen. I’ve been thinking about this place. I mean really thinking … and … I want to leave.” I stopped looking around the city and turned my eyes to Silver Shoe’s. She was serious.

“You want to leave. Our home?” Her smile turned into a deadpan. Yeah, stupid statement. This isn’t much of a home. The cops are corrupt, more so than I’m willing to admit. “Yeah. I do to, but … my family is here.” Silver Shoe looked out the window and back at me.

She frowned, speaking softly, “Runner, what family?” Me and my mother. Just the two of us. She really doesn’t need me around, but this place is starting to get cramped even more so than it already is. “I’ve got my mother and father and we spend more than half our time together yelling at each other. Only time we stop is to have an end of the week cook out.” The small grin that I previously had on my face slowly morphed into a frown.

She was right. My mother wasn’t bad at being a mother, but when you spend every day going back and forth with her it just bears down on you. We don’t have much in common either. I swear the only thread connecting me to her is my father, and possibly her love for helping people. Two threads! Yeah the list is getting longer!

Silver Shoe looked down at the railing shaking her head a little. She looked back at Oak Tree’s door and tapped her hoof against the window. “I just … I’m tired of this place. Runner, I want to go see the world with my own two eyes. Every day in here it’s go here, do this job, go home, sleep, wake up, go here, do this job, go home and sleep.” I deadpanned. “Okay, we also take things that don’t belong to cops, but still!” That’s more like it. I take a small amount of pride in stealing from those that deserve it. Although, she was right about one thing. If you’re born in a District your life is predictable. Do your job and go home until you die. No retirement. Just work.

I swear a District is nothing more than a way for the cops to turn a profit. Using it's population to crank out magic not sweating labor conditions in the slightest. There is no rest because it's their time were wasting, their bits were costing. The day you're born in here you jump on the Cheif's boat, which means don't rock it. Everything you have is the cops property, no matter how hard you work for it.

I sat on my haunches and looked down the hallway. No pony around to hear this. Good! Silver Shoe exhaled slowly and sat down in front of me with her magenta colored eyes staring into my dark leafy green eyes. “I want you to think about it. For me.” Last time I did something for you I got my flank shot at. She nudged her head at the staircase. “Come on. The cookout’s starting at my place!”

*** ***

Street lamps began lighting up the streets the deeper we got into the District. Several cops looked at us while we turned left around a building. I could feel my insides shaking as if they were still looking at us. Silver Shoe looked up at the pink bubble. “You know my sister's the reason why that’s up there. Once upon a time, a pegasus named Showering Stones flew all the way up those great big walls and fought her way over.” I remember that story from when I was foal. Wait. Sister?

“You have a sister?”

Silver Shoe nodded. I could see a small grin trying to hide, but it didn’t do a good job of it. “I did. She sent a letter once, but after that she went off the grid. First thing I’m going to do when I leave is find her.” I could hear several ponies mumbling behind us. I tried focusing on their conversation but couldn’t make out a word. I put my hoof against Silver Shoe and shook my head. She stopped talking.

Another rule about living in a District is to always keep to yourself. The second a cop catches word of a pony trying to leave … well … things end badly. I won’t be like those three ponies. We turned into an alleyway. Once I was positive no pony had followed us I spoke up. “We have no idea what’s out there. All we know is what our books have told us. If everything written in them is true, well I’d say we have a month minimum.” Silver Shoe stopped.

She looked at me and shook her head. “You’re forgetting one crucial fact, we have some pony on the outside waiting for us.” We do? I doubt we’d find a needle in a large haystack like Equestria. I hate to be that stallion, but those are some very terrible odds. I should know I suck at gambling. I nickered. “Look, I’m leaving tonight. Just promise me you’ll give it some thought.”

I’ll … think about it.

Her horn lit up and a postcard floated out in front of my eyes.

Silver Shoe, I hope you’re doing well. Life’s been anything but predictable for me since I left. I had to leave the last town for certain reasons. You’ll understand why I left one day, but until then be a good filly. Love, Showering Stones.

*** ***

The smell of freshly grilled hay filled my nose. I love that smell! Good food. Silver Shoe’s mother set another batch of hay burgers down, probably the last one for a while since the food supplies coming in from the outside world were getting noticeably shorter … and missing a lot of our favorite food. Like hay burgers! Silver Shoe leaned closer to my ear, “Meet me at Oak Tree’s apartment tonight. Don’t let any pony follow you. Trust me you don’t want to be around here when I break the news to my parents.” I turned to her, but thought better of saying anything.

Silver Shoe’s mother set another plate of food down while a few neighbors galloped into the back yard. “What are you two whispering about over there?”  This is the one thing I actually like about this place. Silver Shoe’s father invited every pony to get some food. So long as you respected the person making the food.

Silver shook her head, “About the Mustang sitting in Runner’s garage.” Her poker face was a stone. Oak Tree’s number one rule when gambling was to always have your poker face on. Silver Shoe turned to me, “Get that thing fixed.” She could lie her way through more worst-case-scenarios than I could think of and I can think of a lot. I can’t lie like that. Seriously, can’t lie to save my life sometimes. I can avoid being shot at so long as I don’t speak. Which … still tends to happen a lot. My horn lit up. I levitated over two burgers and got up.

“I hate to eat and run, but I’m needed back at my house.” I gave Silver’s mother a hug and shook her father’s hoof before galloping down the driveway.

My house, or rather my mother’s house, is only a short trot down the road. I’ve never had to worry about some pony trying to rob me either. I think that’s mostly on the account that I can run from any situation, didn’t know that about myself until Silver Shoe’s plans always ended in me getting my ass shot at. Over. And. Over. Again. And. Again. Which also includes our last job which was stealing some ammo from the armory. Why am I friends with her again? Oh, right she’s the only real friend I have here. The other foals my age have dreams of being cops and most of them are earning badges now. Pigs.

I blinked and came face to face with the fence that stretched around one of the few houses in the District. Most of these had been torn down to make way for larger apartment buildings. Ugh, they’re eye sores. Every single one of them. I prefer small homes like this. My mother looked up at me and whistled. “You awake over there?” I smiled and nodded. One of the burgers floated over to her and gently set itself down on the windowsill.

“Can we talk?” I trotted past her nudging my head at the house. My mother looked around and shrugged. She followed me into our small yet cozy home. It really wasn’t much. Just a small two bedroom home with a small living room and kitchen. First thing I did was open our cabinet and spark some wires together to kick our generator on. Best way to save money is to use your own generator. Mine runs on magic once it starts up with a simple spark.

I took a seat at the small table in front of the kitchen counter, but could only stare at the wall. Exhale slowly. Deep breath. My mother shut the door behind her and leaned against the counter. “You going to tell me what’s up or just keep starring at the wall?” I closed my eyes for a second.

I sucked in a small amount of air, “I’m leaving District Twelve. Tonight.” My eyes fell towards the table.

The room went silent.

My mother blinked slowly with a nod of disbelief. She left the counter and sat down in front of me. “Is this your decision or Silver Shoe’s?” I looked up from the table and could see my mother starring at my eyes. Squinting my eyes a bit I could see my reflection in her eyes. Was this my decision? Was it? Maybe. I mean I’ve thought about leaving. Turning my back on the seemingly endless wall that stretched up.

Yes.

It was my decision.

“Yeah, it’s my decision. And Silver Shoe and I are a team, where ever she goes, I’m going with her.” We stared at each other. No. She starred at me and I starred at my reflection. Any of the looks my mother gave me always got me to rethink any decision I made. As if the decision I made was the wrong one. “Besides, it’s better to go out there then wait here and pray that the cops don’t shoot us.”

She sighed, “Just come back when you find whatever it is you’re looking for.” The chair under my mother screeched while she stood up. I won? Holy crap if I had known it just took a simple starring contest I could have gotten away with a lot more shit. “You really are your father’s child.” She looked at a family portrait, back when I was a small foal. My mother pulled out a six pack from the fridge. She popped the cap off the first bottle and started drinking. At least once a week she did that even if the taste was flat dull. I swear a pony could get a better taste from a wagon wheel. "When you come to your senses, that's if you somehow make it a week out there, I'll be waiting here. Bring me some beer on your way back."

Just like my mother. She always has to get the last word in an argument. Always.

I got up from my chair and moved around the table. Pushed open the door to my garage, yes mine, my father always said that when he died I could have everything inside of my garage. A quick walk down the small wood stairs was all it took to come face to face with a tarp covering a long metal span. I ripped the tarp off. A long stainless steel wingspan stretched from the edge of my Mustang’s frame. It might be in crappy condition, but I’m going to fly this beast one day. I slid underneath the frame and put my back against the groove. My back hoof slid against the ground until it rested on a pedal. “I wish I could finish this beast,” but that’ll have to be some other time. Maybe if these walls are ever taken down. My magic pulled open a cabinet. Several ammo boxes floated out and found themselves a nice home inside of my saddle bags.

A creak at the door made me look over my shoulder. My mother didn’t look at me, instead she looked at the Mustang I had helped my father with ever since I was a foal. She took a chug from her bottle and let out a heavy sigh. “I forgot to mention, one of your friends is here. He said something about staying in your room until you got here.”

Friend? A stallion.

I don’t have any friends like that.

I slowly walked up the stairs and gave my mother a hug. She pulled the door shut behind me. Saddle bags, check. Pistol, check. Gas mask, check. Double check list, check. My mother walked past me, taking down on the couch with a rather somber look on her face. All she could stare at was a picture of us as a family. As much as I wanted to concern myself with that only priority, I couldn’t. My hooves guided me up the staircase straight up to my room. The door gently swung shut and I took a look around. Empty.

I looked around a corner noticing the foldout staircase to the attic hanging open. My eyes grew wide. Papers rustled around inside the attic while I crept up the ladder. I poked my head up through the opening. A stallion dressed in a blue uniform was sitting at my fold out tables. I climbed up and cleared my throat. “Hey, that’s my stuff.” The stallion slowly spun around in my chair with pictures in his hooves. Pictures that we both knew would get me and Silver Shoe in trouble. Before any major mission, we took pictures of our targets. I kept them stashed up here, because no pony usually checks the attic.

The pony looked straight at my eyes. My eyes drifted down to the stallions badge, 'Chief of District Police' was printed along the gold plate. His eyes went back down at the pictures. They were the last location me and Silver Shoe had ripped off just a couple days ago. “There’s an old saying. A selfish stallion is a thief. Are you a selfish stallion?” The chief moved some of the evidence away. I opened my mouth to say something, but said nothing.

The chief put his gun against the table. Even in the dark I could see a slight shining pole close to his shoulder. He had one of those kinds of pistols. Best type the District had to offer. With a good jolt from his shoulder he could fire a round in the blink of an eye. “You'll have to excuse me, I don't have an donuts, pig." No sense in trying to lie my way our. That was perhaps a trait I enjoyed about myself. If I couldn't lie out of a situation then there was only one option. It kept things simple and straight forward. "As for your saying, I've got one of my own. Opportunity makes a thief, and you gave us plenty. If not us then some pony else would have done it.” The Chief nodded. His eyes went back to the evidence. My horn lit up.

The table in front of him flew back send Chief into a filing cabinet.

I turned around and jumped down the hole. Gunshots rang in my ear while wood chips filleted towards me. Pain burned through my leg just before I landed on the ground, scrambling through the door while my magic pulled it shut behind me. Down the stairs I went around the corner into the kitchen. “You didn’t know anything about this,” I shouted accusingly to my mother while she opened another bottle. My hooves did their best to carry me out the door with a bullet wound the Chief had managed to land on me. I flung the front door open looking to use the alleyways for cover.

*** ***

I peeked out Oak Tree’s window and could see Silver Shoe running into the apartment complex. It was nice seeing both of them. Oak Tree and Silver Shoe. After the fracas I went through with the Chief I’d rather get going as soon as possible. Speaking of the Chief, he’s now the reason my leg has a rag wrapped around it. Just before I got here I took a short cut past Silver Shoe’s house. I couldn’t forget the words that I had overheard Silver Shoe’s dad say. He said to her ‘Silver Shoe, no matter where you go just remember you are always welcome back to this house,’ I almost want to know what he told Showering Stones. On second thought, if she’s the reason there’s a protection spell over us then I’d rather not know.

The door creaked open and Silver Shoe slipped around it. Oak Tree sat up with his eyes half open, “Lock the open door!” Nothing scares ponies more than a half asleep goat that has no idea what he’s talking about. Silver Shoe chuckled shaking her head. My horn lit up and I closed the blinds to the windows around us.

Knock. Knock. Knock!

Silver Shoe turn faced the door. “You ready?” I nodded. Carefully, Shoe approached the door in order to get a peak at the person outside. She took a step back looking at me.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

“They know,” I shrugged not knowing what else to say.

Silver Shoe slowly nodded her head as if to take in the situation. Her telekinesis shoved the bookcase away from its position in front our escape tunnel. I galloped over to it and jumped down into the darkness. “Alright, I’m,” OOF!

The wind in me escaped like a balloon popping. I looked up at Silver Shoe and could see she wasn’t sorry about landing on top of me. Darkness flooded over us as the bookcase moved back into place. A loud crack caught our attention. Voices were mumbling back and forth. We both looked around. Our horns lit up and moved some crates into a stack until it blocked the entire entrance. Silver Shoe rolled off me cracking her legs in the process. “You know we should have burned that evidence in your attic. Think your mother will be alright?” I nodded. My mother had nothing to do with that.

We galloped through the tunnels for what felt like hours. I suppose that should have been expected since this was our going to be our last time using these tunnels to escape. After what felt like another hour we reached the wooden plank blocking our way. Silver Shoe jumped up using a crate to push herself up against the plank. “On three.” I pressed myself against the plank.

“Three!”

We lifted the plank off of the hole and rolled out from under it letting it fall back into place. I started breathing in hard pats while I watched Silver Shoe float out our map of the tunnels. I followed her over to a few bushes listening to the leaves rustle against each other. “If we ever come back here, we’ll just grab the map from here.” She hid it in a box. Right, like we’re really coming back here. For once in my life I actually felt like I was doing the right thing. I hope our parents will be okay without us.

I turned and faced the wide open world of Equestria. My eyes were lying to me. There was no way we were standing outside these walls with the intent of leaving. I looked at Silver Shoe and took in a deep breathe. “Goodbye eyesore.” I chuckled with Silver Shoe before we took off running down the first road we found.

Infected

Chapter Five: Infected

Sheriff closed the door behind us while we all stared down a long grey hallway. Nothing about this room was colorful at all, even the crates had somehow become a dull grey. I took a crouched position behind some crates. Sheriff put his ear against a door next to us. He pulled it open and looked inside. “Take whatever you want from here, could come in use.” I trotted inside immediately finding a wooden plank, a broken pair of scissors that left me with one blade, and a bundle of tape. Silver Shoe looked inside and grabbed some batteries on the shelf above my head.

The lights inside the room flickered.

“Dang vermin must’ve messed up a generator.”

Darkness.

I turned on my flashlight shining  its light down on the supplies in front of me. With some creative ideas going through my head I taped the scissor blade to the wooden plank. I swung it around a few times before strapping it to the back of my saddle bags. This’ll do nicely. I trotted back out into the hallway and shined my light down to the intersection.

“AGRHE!”

An infected looked at me breaking right into gallop in my direction. Taking a few shaky steps back I felt my heart sink while the infected jumped at me, Sheriff caught hold of its neck and put the creature straight into the wall. The infected struggled for freedom, but with each passing second it began to move less and less until it lay against the floor. It didn’t move at all. Sheriff carefully moved back. “Interesting note, regular infected like these can be choked out like any other pony. Don’t try it on clickers though.” That’s good to know. Silver Shoe crawled over to one of the crates. Her hoof fumbled around inside until she pulled a bottle out.

She practice swinging the bottle. “I don’t think infected are smart enough to ruin a generator.”

“Stupid enough t’ run into ‘em.” Silver Shoe tossed the bottle. It shattered near the intersecting hallway and an infected ran around it. We all took shelter behind a few different stacks of crates. The infected twitched, beating its head several times with a free hoof, then stumbled around before turning to face the bottle behind it. Silver Shoe crept up behind it, she got within a foot of its fungus covered body before it turned around facing directly at her. It swung its hoof. She ducked around it, wrapped her fore hoof around the things neck before quietly pulling it back to us.

Shhhhhhh. Go to sleep. Shshshshshshhhhh.

The infected thrashed about struggling to break free, but with each passing second it slowly began to give in. It lay perfectly still on the ground drifting off to slumber land. Silver Shoe levitated the body up and set it down on top of the other body. Deputy pulled out a pistol with a silencer attached to it. He finished the job for us.

Another infected stumbled into the intersection. Each one of them had come from the same direction. Sheriff leaned close to my ear, “Go on, choke it out. We’ve got you covered.” I looked at the infected. Alright. Just do what Silver Shoe did.

I crept forward. The dancing dead infected body that Silver Shoe used as a prank ran through my mind. If that happened again … I’d … I’d … oh screw it, it’s Silver Shoe. I’m used to her stupid stunts. Then again this job isn’t about being shot this time, maybe I’m not used to all her stunts.

I was right behind it.

My heart began to pick up its pace. I brought my fore hoof up and the infected turned around. “AREGH!” The thing tackled me against the wall biting straight for my chest. My makeshift weapon was shoved right into its mouth. It bit down on it trying to break it, but the wood wouldn’t give. Sheriff tackled the infected into the intersecting hall slamming it hard against the wall. Two more infected came running after Sheriff from the adjacent hall. I galloped over to them telekinetically throwing the makeshift weapon under one of their hooves. It fell while I unload some bullets into its neck. The other infected went for Deputy. He dove underneath the creature and bucked it up against the low ceiling.

BLAM! BLAM!

Silver Shoe finished it off in the air and reloaded her gun. Another infected ran around the corner forcing  her to the ground. She shoved the long end of the shotgun barrel into its mouth and held it back only a few inches from her face. I took the bladed end of my makeshift weapon and jammed it like a hook into its mouth. A good smack into the wall made the thing stop twitching. Silver Shoe sent three rifle rounds into its body before it finally dropped down dead.

Sheriff threw the infected he had pinned against the wall to the ground while Deputy finished it with two silenced shots to its chest. I picked up my makeshift weapon and strapped it back to my saddle bags. Silver Shoe shrugged off a few nasty scrapes.

“AREGH! AREGH! AREGH!”

My head snapped over to those horrible sounds. A cold sharp chill rolled up my spine. Three clickers. All charging at us! One of them knocked me straight to the ground. My hoof wrapped around my makeshift weapon, putting the dull end of the wood into its neck. It swung its flabby hoof at me, knocking my weapon into the wall. Deputy and Sheriff pulled the clicker back and put it against the wall. Silver Shoe levitated her shotgun up, but it was knocked out of her levitation field by one of the other clickers.

I pulled out my rifle and fed three bullets into its fore leg. The third clicker tried to jump me, but a fast turn around and bullet to the chest pushed it back. I floated Silver Shoe’s shotgun up pulling the trigger in panic.

BLAM! BLAM!

It went down hard. I lost track of how many infected we had put down. The second clicker went for Deputy. He pushed himself away from the wall and let the infected run past him. The clicker Sheriff had against the wall broke free from his grip and violently began biting at him. Deputy tried shooting at it, but it swung its hoof in retaliation, knocking the gun out of his mouth. The clicker scrambled for me and I put my hoof down on my makeshift weapon. I wrapped it in my hoof, then slapped the scissor blade across the clicker’s mouth, sending the blade right through its fungus flesh ripping off a large chunk.

I engulfed the weapon in my magic, telekinetically lifting the makeshift weapon up, bringing it crashing down on the clicker’s head so hard the wood broke in two pieces. The clicker hit the ground while I took three precise steps away from its cold seemingly dead body. The thing didn’t move at all. Silver Shoe tossed the last infected down on top of the dead clicker and unloaded her rifle into both of them.

Her chest puffed in up several times. She let out a low relived sigh.

I started checking myself for bite marks. Please, please no bite marks. I don’t want to become, I looked at the clicker bodies, one of them. Silver Shoe checked herself. Neither one of us had any. Thank Cadence! “Deputy, you got any bite marks on you?” Sheriff checked both of us once more then Deputy. Nothing, aside from some gashes from the walls. I swear those things are like sandpaper.

Silver Shoe pointed at my leg. I looked down and … blood … that was blood!

I didn’t get bit. I didn’t get bit! I swear I didn’t!

Silver Shoe took a rag out from her saddle bags and wiped blood off my leg. It wasn’t even mine. “Just some blood from those guys.” She nudged her head at the dead infected. Oh, thank Celestia!

I sat on my haunches taking in a few deep breaths to calm myself. If the infected don’t kill me it’s going to be the stress from all of this. We all checked and reloaded our weapons. Sheriff pointed down the hallway our unwelcomed guests came from. “Runner, you’re with me, we’re going t’ fix that generator. Silver Shoe, you’re going with Deputy t’ flush out the rest of the infected. You two stay safe.” We started moving again, eventually parting ways once we found another break in the hallway.

It took me until now to realize that Sheriff didn’t have a flashlight on him. I kept shining my light into various rooms we came across. We didn’t find anything inside aside from a few rats. Maybe we’ll get lucky and there won’t be any more infected down here. I can hope for that, but let’s be reasonable about this. Probably not going to happen. I opened the door to the next room finding two large turbines broken beyond repair that stood several dozen ponies wide. “Is this it?” Sheriff shook his head and pointed down the hall to a large debris barrier. I left the room and approached it.

“We put this up to keep the infected away from the other generators. As you can tell those turbines got ruined after a fracas with them.” You don’t say. Not to mention there are a lot of burn marks around here. It took me a minute to figure out that it was dynamite scorch marks. These guys have a bad infected problem. No roaches though!

They’d need something better than just a debris wall. Sheriff nudged me, pointing my attention to the platform on top the structure. “Give me a boost.” I lowered my back and let Sheriff step on me long enough to boost him up. He climbed onto a wood platform then pulled me up with firm grip on my hoof.

“You guys should try to put up an electric fence or something.” I only mentioned it when I saw a few chain link fences thrown in with the debris under us. Sheriff thought about the idea then nickered. We approached the edge of the platform and looked down. No sign of any infected. That’s a good sign. I dropped down to the ground first then Sheriff followed me.

“See we thought about that, but the generators we have here aren’t strong enough t’ keep one of them going for very long. We have just enough power to keep the town alive.” That sucks. If I had the parts, time, and blueprints I could probably help them out. At the very least help make a better barricade. Sheriff went silent while I checked the rooms around us. I kept finding nothing.

Wait. No, that’s just a rock. Every time I took a look at Sheriff he seemed to be thinking about something deeply. I mean I was starting to realize he always had that stone expression on his face, but this time he really looked like he was thinking about something serious.

I pushed open another door and found another large turbine. It was also in bad condition, broken beyond repair, with no signs of any salvageable parts. Nothing worth bringing along either. I kept moving and kicked open another door.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Just some rusted leaky pipes. Sheriff clear his throat, “I didn’t want to say this in front your friend, but you two might not be happy about what you find.” I stepped out of the room rejoining Sheriff with utmost curiosity. “That pair stole food, ammo and medical supplies that we needed for the town.” I stopped walking.

What?

I mean I’ve stolen things, but not from nice ponies like these. Sheriff trotted past me. “That’s why I brought us inside. Townsfolk don’t take kindly to pegasi or griffons anymore.” Well that explains a few things. But … what the hell am I supposed to tell Silver Shoe? I started walking and caught up to Sheriff.

“Then why are you willing to tell us where they’re at?”

Sheriff stopped us before focusing his full undivided attention on me. “Because it’s none of my business what you guys have with those thief’s.” Fair enough. I just hope when this is all over he actually tells us where they’ve been seen at. We kept moving down the hall until we entered the generator room.

Pipes hissed while a fan creaked eerily nearby. Their shadows stretched around like branches from a creepy tree on a silent night. I looked around the room coming face to face with a few large generators beginning to power down. They were all linked to what looked like a glider engine converted to be a generator. I galloped over to it, examining it carefully. No real damage to it, just a part knocked out of place. I attached the wire and screwed part of it back into place. “Just pull the handle right there,” Sheriff remarked, pointing at a handle attached to a long cord. I wrapped it around my hoof and pulled.

Bruuup … Bruuup … Bruuup …

It died.  I looked back at the machine and saw a burned infected body lying next to it. Sheriff was right, these things are stupid enough to run into things. I gripped the chord again and pulled.

Bruup … Bruuuup … Bruuup …

“AREGH!”

HOLY SHIT! I tumbled back with an infected. I bucked it back into the machine but it scrambled back to me.

CRACK! CRACK!

The infected stumbled and hit the ground dead. I put my hoof against my chest and breathed slowly. My heart was in my throat again. I swallowed letting it return to my chest. From the way it was beating it was pissed off at me. “Dang vermin went an’ lost its head.” THAT’S NOT FUNNY WHEN YOU’RE SECONDS AWAY FROM HAVING YOUR FACE CHEWED OFF!

I pushed myself up and approached the generator’s cord carefully and cautiously. My telekinesis brought up my weapons pointing them all in the direction that infected had leapt from. Yeah just try it again I dare you! I gripped the cord around my hoof and gave it one more good pull.

Bluuuur! Bluuuuurp! P-PAT-PAT-PAT!

Now breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. Don’t let your heart jump out of your chest. Don’t let your heart jump out of your chest. I’m going to need therapy after this.

The lights flickered on while the eerily squeaking fan started turning at full speed without the squeaking. Once the generator kicked back on the other generators connected to it started back up. I put all my weapons back in their holsters except for the rifle. Sheriff looked around the room inspecting each generator before returning to me. “Now that the powers back on we need to head down that hall.” He pointed the way and I went with him. It didn’t take us long before we turned a corner to find yet another barricade. There was a large hole through it.

Sheriff and I approached it with caution. It wasn’t going to collapse on us, but the size of the hole was at least four ponies wide, from the looks of it, also two or three ponies tall. We stepped past the debris. Using my magic along with some creativity, I brought the structure down piling everything together to make another barricade. It was half the size of the one we climbed over, but it would do for now. We kept moving only stopping to checking a few rooms on our way. I found pipes in one room, but they turned to dust the moment I touched them with my hooves. “So how did you meet that mare you’re traveling with?” I stepped out of the room with a smile.

“Well there’s not much of a story to that. See we met during this game of hoof ball and once we got our cutie marks we just sort of clicked. I mean she gets on my nerves sometimes, but I know she has my back.” Sheriff nodded and looked inside another room. Although her plans seem to threaten my life more than once.

We turned a corner finding nothing special around it. I was becoming lost in this place, but Sheriff seemed to know exactly where we were at. “That’s one of the things I like about friendship, you never know where you’ll make a longtime friend at.” I guess he has a point. As we turned another corner a wood plank caught my attention. I picked it up and strapped it to my saddle bags.

KA-BOOM!

The entire hallway shook. The lights hanging down from the ceiling shook several times while dust slowly came down around us. I put a hoof against the wall looking around for the source of the shaking. Sheriff galloped ahead of me. “That came from Deputy’s direction.” Oh crap. I galloped after him. We pushed open a door and found a room filled with rows and stacks of crates.

“Runner, get down!” Silver Shoe pulled me behind a crate while a blur of orange went by. Sheriff pulled the door shut …

KA-BOOM!

Crates exploded into hundreds of pieces along with the door and part of the wall Sheriff had tried to hide behind. A cloud of orange looking dust rose up. Silver Shoe reached into my bag shoving whatever she pulled out against my face. “Spores. Lots of them.” It was my gas mask. I strapped it on and took in a deep breath. The cloud of spores flooded over us while I thanked the Princesses that Silver Shoe had shoved the mask on my muzzle. Sheriff came back into the room with a bandana covering his mouth keeping it tucked into his shirt. It wasn’t the best mask, but it would keep him from inhaling too many spores.

Deputy slid across the ground towards us firing his pistol several times at something moving in the orange clouds. Its hooves moved around while its hulking body just took the shots. It didn't seem to phase the beast at all. Another orange blur flew past us and hit a stack of crates behind me. Silver Shoe pulled me over one of the crated rows while I spared a glance at what was on the ground. It was … a miniature pumpkin?

KA-BOOM!

OF DEATH AND HELL FIRE!

Spore clouds rose up from the explosive bombastic sounds while crate stacks toppled down in every direction. The creature from behind the spores stumbled out. Fungus covered it from head to hoof. From chest to flank. It was a living breathing plant four times the size of a regular pony thanks to the sickly green fungus hanging from its body. It was in every sense no longer the pony it used to be. “It’s a bloater,” Sheriff called out unloading his revolver at it. I lit up my horn and tossed a crate at the thing. It swung its flabby fungus fore hoof around smashing the crate to bits.

I aimed both my weapons at the creature making sure to have clear shots. I unloaded everything into that thing. It reached for its back and pulled another miniature pumpkin looking thing off. With a great heave the creature let it go. I watched the pumpkin bomb bounce around the rows of crates until …

KA-BOOM!

Crates collapsed down towards me while I slid under a table. I reloaded my rifle simultaneously putting my pistol away while I leaned into the gun and pulled the trigger. Shot one. HIT! The thing swung its fore hooves around, throwing another bomb at Deputy. He dove behind some furniture just as it erupted into a cloud of spores. I pulled the trigger. Shot two. Missed. I fired again. HIT! Deputy sprang over a couch unloading his pistol into the bloater. It didn’t do anything but barley slow it down. Silver Shoe crept up behind it and pulled out her shotgun.

BLAM! BLAM!

She fed both shots into its flank only pissing it off even more. Silver Shoe tossed her shotgun away simultaneously throwing three crates into the bloater while it tried reaching for her. Sheriff fired off a few more rounds and distracted the beast long enough for her to slide underneath the table with me. She pulled out her rifle and reloaded it. I reloaded mine. “Ready?” She nodded.

Let's see how well this son of bitch does against a team!

We both fired at the bloater. Even with our shots sinking into its neck we only managed to make it stumble around. We each fired one after the other in almost perfect unison, each one of us keeping the thing from focusing on our other partners. It stumbled once again after we noticed almost our entire ammo supply for our rifles had been sunk into this thing.

The bloater stumbled over to us. I rolled to the left and Silver Shoe rolled to the right just as the bloater brought its  flabby fungus covered hoof crashing down on top of the table making it collapse. My horn lit up and I brought a wooden plank as hard as I could into the side of that things face. The plank broke in several clean pieces. I starred right into the bloaters blood shot red eyes. Sweet mother of Celestia and Luna. I gallop away from the thing and …

KA-BOOOOOM!

The sheer force from the bomb threw me over a stack of crates. I hit the ground rolling straight into the wall. Ugh. My head started spinning around. The others shouted at me or at the thing, I really couldn’t tell what anyone was saying. Stars were floating around my eyes, they looked so pretty! Oh, look at the birdies!

Medicine. I need medicine. My hoof somehow found its way to my saddle bags. I searched for some kind of medicine. I came up empty hoofed. Silver Shoe’s shotgun was lying a few feet away from me.

The bloated reached for Sheriff, but he rolled out of the way. I closed my eyes for just a second, but when I opened them a flash of light made me close them again. Even with my head spinning around I knew that had to be a stick of dynamite. The bombastic sounds of its explosion ripping into the bloaters face was so satisfying … and then unsatisfying. The creature was still moving, badly burned with a slightly scorched slimy sagging fungus face, but moving.

I turned my head to face the pony shaking me. How long had they been shaking me? Silver Shoe said something. Here words sounded like … a long screech. I couldn’t hear shit.

I looked over at Deputy and saw him knocking over a few crates trying to get away from the bloater. Silver Shoe’s horn lit up and brought a dozen crates over to us. A bright flash ripped apart the only thing protecting us. Silver Shoe stumbled back into the wall dropping some shotgun ammo. I pushed myself up using my already split focus to lit up my horn. A sharp pain shot through my head like lightning. I kept pushing, fighting through the pain. Silver Shoe’s shotgun shakily floated over to me. Wrapping the shotgun in my hooves, I stared down at it for a moment.

I cracked it open. Loaded it with two shots. Cracked it shut.

The bloater stumbled towards us. Crates blocked our way out. I unloaded the two rounds into it only to have the thing stumble back just a little.

Deputy fired off a few more rounds and bucked some crates against its flank. The bloater turned its attention to Deputy then stumbled over to him. Silver Shoe lit up her horn telekinetically pulling the couch in front of the bloater. The thing smashed it apart still pursuing Deputy. “Help! I say somebody, HELP!” Deputy threw the broken table parts at the creature and kept running once he ran out of things to throw. Sheriff grabbed my rifle, wait, I looked for my rifle and didn’t see it. My head slowly stopped spinning around until  I noticed my rifle really was gone. No time to question how that happened. Sheriff unloaded the gun into the things head, but it kept moving. Like I said, whatever this thing was it wasn’t pony anymore.

Deputy jumped behind a few dressers and disappeared for a second. He moved around the furniture while the bloater was busy knocking it all down. Sheriff fired a few rounds at the thing and it caught sight of Deputy. I galloped past Sheriff and levitated my pistol up. I slid across the ground and fired at the pumpkin bombs on the things back. The bloater knocked Deputy towards me, but he hit a row of crates and stopped moving. I unloaded the rest of the bullets into the things back just before it threw one more bomb at us. The bombs on its back erupted and the one next to us …

KA-BOOM!

I had just enough time to shield my eyes from the bright flash. My eyes slowly opened and I tried to stand up. I fell over feeling my eyes becoming heavier than a dragon after attending a buffet. The mask around my muzzle fell off. I started to breath in something that tasted like rust. Silver Shoe and Sheriff ran over to us. The next thing I knew there was darkness.

Epilogue

Epilogue

Sunsets were beautiful in the Badlands. It’s like a slice of Celestia’s sun stayed shining along the coastal waters just a little longer than anywhere else in or around Equestria. The weather was hot during the day, but when the sun began to sink down to make way for Luna’s beautiful night, it was as if at that moment in time the weather was perfect for hanging with family.

My hoof put the shifter into my Pontiac’s last gear. Dust rose up behind me while I traveled the quarter mile towards the road that would take me around the edge of the Badlands. I named my autowagon. The pure white coat on it was something I would never change. Because of that coat I called my wagon a ghost. The Ghost. For when it traveled a quarter mile it was as if nothing could see it.

I pulled out onto the road, heading right into a dirt area that had hills rolling up and down the landscape.

I used to live my life according to rules that pertained to that of a thief, but I realized something. That was no way to live. I learned how to live my life the way I had always craved.

With my family.

“I live my life a quarter mile at a time. For those ten seconds or less. I’m free.”

I gently pressed the brake pedal down, coming to a stop right in front of a stop sign while an autowagon drove through the intersection. Joining me on the road was a matte black Charger with a blower that scooped in large amounts of air while the vehicle revved its engine. Diesel Fuel looked out at me with his window rolled down. Gently wrapping the necklace in my hoof, I took it off, giving the silver piece back to him like I had promised.

We stepped on the gas pedals, both of us bolting down the road enjoying the drive. This is what I lived for. Just enjoying life with family. As the road began to fork into three lanes, two heading deeper into the Badlands and the other leading towards Sunsota, a silver Skyline autowagon sped past us before I could catch a glimpse of the driver. The Charger and Pontiac both turned to the left while the Skyline went to the right.

No matter where my brothers are, whether it’s halfway across Equestria or a quarter mile away, I will always be there for them, because I know they will always be there for me.

The Fast, Dangerous and the Furious

Special thanks to the Fast and Furious franchise.

Inspired by KKat’s Fallout: Equestria.